The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at the residence of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLC, K Kavitha, in Hyderabad as part of the ongoing investigation into the alleged Delhi excise policy-linked money laundering case.
This development comes nearly two months after Kavitha was summoned by the ED for questioning in connection with the case. She has previously been interrogated three times by the agency and her statement recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Kavitha, daughter of former Telangana Chief Minister and BRS chief K Chandrashekhar Rao, has consistently maintained her innocence, alleging that the BJP-led Centre is orchestrating a politically motivated campaign against her.
She has accused the central agencies of being misused for political gains, particularly as the BJP seeks to gain influence in Telangana. The case stems from a FIR filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which was subsequently taken up by the ED for investigation into money laundering activities.
The probe has revealed the involvement of Hyderabad-based businessman Arun Ramchandra Pillai, who allegedly played a key role in facilitating kickbacks and forming a cartel involving influential individuals from the South Group, including Kavitha and other prominent figures.
Pillai, along with his associates, was allegedly instrumental in executing political agreements between the South Group and a leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
The investigation suggests that kickbacks were exchanged, with Pillai being implicated in the process of funneling illegal gains from the South Group to businesses in Delhi.
According to the ED's findings, the South Group, represented by Pillai and others, provided kickbacks amounting to Rs 100 crore to AAP leaders. Pillai's involvement extended to his partnership in Indo Spirits, a firm implicated in the case, where he represented the interests of Kavitha.
The agency has filed its first chargesheet in the matter, following nearly 200 search operations conducted as part of the investigation. The case revolves around alleged irregularities in the modification of the Excise Policy, including the extension of licenses without proper approval, waiver of license fees, and violation of established rules and regulations.
These actions purportedly resulted in significant losses to the exchequer, prompting intervention from central authorities based on recommendations from the Delhi Lieutenant-Governor.
The ED and CBI have accused officials of the Excise Department of extending undue favors to license holders, facilitating illegal gains, and engaging in fraudulent activities to evade detection.
The ongoing investigation seeks to unravel the intricate web of corruption and malpractice surrounding the Delhi excise policy, with Kavitha's residence raid marking a significant development in the case.
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