Allegations of Political Collusion in Delhi Liquor Policy
In a significant development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted a raid at the residence of K Kavitha, a prominent leader of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), in Hyderabad, pertaining to the ongoing investigation into the Delhi liquor policy case.
According to a report by ANI released on Friday, the action was initiated as Kavitha had failed to respond to multiple summons issued by the investigative agency.
Kavitha, who serves as a Member of the Legislative Council in Telangana, reportedly disregarded at least two summonses, prompting the enforcement authorities to take decisive action.
This raid follows Kavitha’s last interaction with the ED in March 2023 regarding the case in question.
The allegations revolve around Kavitha’s purported communication with Vijay Nair, the communication head of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), during the formulation and execution of the liquor policy in Delhi.
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Previous interrogations had involved statements from key individuals associated with Kavitha, including her former accountant Butchibabu Gorantla and Arun Ramchandra Pillai, who allegedly supported her engagements with Nair and others.
Butchibabu’s arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in February, followed by Pillai’s arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in March of the preceding year, added gravity to the investigation.
Butchibabu’s statement to the ED implicated a political arrangement between Kavitha and high-ranking officials of the Delhi government, including CM Arvind Kejriwal and (former) Deputy CM Manish Sisodia.
According to Butchibabu’s revelation, Vijay Nair purportedly acted as a conduit, seeking to impress Kavitha with his purported influence in policy matters on behalf of Kejriwal and Sisodia.
The alleged understanding entailed benefits in Delhi’s policy and liquor industry in exchange for funds to the AAP from Kavitha.
Investigators further assert that Pillai played a pivotal role in managing Kavitha’s unauthorized investments and facilitating illicit transactions, particularly within the South Group.
His involvement in orchestrating cartels and facilitating bribery payments has drawn scrutiny.
Kavitha’s familial ties, being the daughter of Bharat Rashtra Samithi’s Chief and former Chief Minister, K Chandrashekar Rao, add layers to the complexity of the case.
As the investigation unfolds, the spotlight intensifies on the intricate web of political and financial entanglements surrounding the Delhi liquor policy saga.
