Today, On 9th May, K Kavitha filed an appeal with the Delhi High Court seeking bail in a money laundering case. She requesting release pending trial, citing reasons that were not mentioned in the initial reports. The appeal is expected to undergo legal review before a decision is made.
New Delhi: Kavitha, a leader of the Bharatiya Rashtra Samithi (BRS), currently in judicial custody for two separate cases filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). On March 15, the ED arrested Kavitha at her residence in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, and she has remained in judicial custody since then. However, while in judicial custody, she was arrested again by the CBI.
Recently, Kavitha approached the Delhi High Court seeking bail in a money laundering case related to an alleged excise policy scam. The judicial custody of Kavitha extended until May 14 by a Delhi court, presided over by Special Judge Kaveri Baweja. This extension granted after Kavitha produced before the court following the expiration of her remand.
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During the court proceedings, the Enforcement Directorate informed the court that the investigation at a crucial stage and that they might file a charge sheet against Kavitha within a week. Previously, on Monday, the bail applications filed by Kavitha in the corruption and money laundering cases being investigated by the CBI and ED were dismissed by Special Judge Kaveri Baweja. The judge stated that there appeared to be sufficient material against the accused, leading to the dismissal of the applications.
The judge, considering the discussions, evidence on record, and gravity of accusations against the accused, declined to grant bail at this juncture, stating,
“While flight risk was not a concern, her actions, including threats to witnesses, and the potential to influence others due to her status, prevent her from being released on bail presently.”
In the application submitted by advocate Nitesh Rana, it asserted that the accused’s presence unnecessary for additional investigation and that prolonging her custody would be futile.
In the ruling, the judge acknowledged the contentions presented by the central investigative bodies, stating that,
“Given the nature and seriousness of the purported crimes, especially in the context of economic offenses with the potential to impact the country’s economic system, public interest must be prioritized over individual liberty.”
The judge also highlighted that the investigation currently at a critical phase concerning crucial elements such as the participation of public officials and private individuals, and tracing the flow of illicit proceeds.
He also Stated,
“The accused’s role seems prima facie significant as a central figure in the conspiracy aimed at securing advantages in the Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22, involving the collection and disbursement of upfront funds to AAP through co-accused parties.”
The statement reads,
“The judge observed the emphasis on her involvement in requesting upfront payment and the purported receipt of such payment to secure favourable provisions in the Excise Policy, as discussed earlier,”
Additionally, the judge dismissed the defendant’s plea for bail on medical grounds, citing that she was receiving necessary medical attention at the prison facility.
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The Court Stated,
“Considering the aforementioned discussion and taking into account all the facts and circumstances, this Court is disinclined to grant bail to the accused, whether ‘regular’ or ‘interim’, at this juncture.”
The judge declared,
“The application in question is hereby denied,”
As the case unfolds, Kavitha’s appeal to the Delhi High Court represents a pivotal moment in her pursuit of legal recourse and justice.