The Delhi High Court has dismissed the bail petitions of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K Kavitha in both the CBI and ED cases related to the Delhi Excise Policy. Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma delivered the verdict on Monday, following a hearing where the order was reserved on May 28.
Kavitha, who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on March 15 and subsequently by the Central Bureau of Investigation on April 11, had sought bail citing various grounds, including her role as a mother of two children, one of whom is reportedly under medical supervision due to shock.
The prosecution, represented by advocates DP Singh for CBI and Zoheb Hossain for ED, strongly opposed the bail plea. The CBI argued that the investigation is at a crucial stage, focusing on the involvement of other public servants and private individuals, as well as tracing the flow of alleged ill-gotten money. The ED emphasized the transnational nature of money laundering offenses and the potential for evidence tampering.
Kavitha’s defense team, led by Senior Advocate Vikram Chaudhari and Advocate Nitesh Rana, contended that the case against her is based solely on statements from approvers, witnesses, or co-accused, without corroborating evidence. They also challenged the legality of her arrest, claiming non-compliance with Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
This decision follows the Rouse Avenue Court’s earlier rejection of Kavitha’s bail petitions on May 6. The case revolves around alleged irregularities in the formulation and implementation of the Delhi Excise Policy, including undue favors to license holders and waiver of license fees.
(Inputs from ANI)