Delhi Court Extends Kejriwal And Kavitha’s Custody In Excise Policy Scam Cases

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Bharat Rashtra Samithi legislator K Kavitha's judicial custody extended

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Bharat Rashtra Samithi legislator K Kavitha’s judicial custody has been extended by a Delhi court till May 20 in connection with the alleged excise policy scam’s money-laundering case. Kavitha’s custody in a related corruption case has been extended till May 14 and May 20, respectively.

Expressing dismay over the disparity in treatment, Kavitha remarked on the selective leniency shown towards certain individuals. She referenced Prajwal Revanna, a JD(S) MP accused of sexual harassment, who reportedly fled the country after allegations surfaced against him and his father, JD(S) MLA H D Revanna.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) informed the court of its intention to file a prosecution complaint (chargesheet) within a week in the money laundering case, while the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) continues its inquiry into the corruption case.

Kejriwal, arrested by the ED on March 21, has been in judicial custody since April 1, with extensions granted till May 7. The ED has accused him of being the “kingpin and key conspirator” in the alleged excise policy scam, alleging that kickbacks were used to fund AAP’s campaign for the Goa Assembly elections.

Kavitha, a member of the Telangana Legislative Council, was arrested from Hyderabad on March 15 after being under scrutiny by central investigating agencies for nearly two years. The court granted the CBI permission to interrogate Kavitha in Tihar Jail.

In the CBI’s remand application against Kavitha, it was alleged that she had met co-accused Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy in March 2021 and conveyed Kejriwal’s demand for Rs 100 crore, with a request for Rs 50 crore. The ED, in two prosecution complaints, claimed that Kavitha and members of the “South Group” had paid bribes to exploit loopholes in the excise policy, facilitating their access to wholesale businesses and retail zones in violation of regulations.

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Srishti Verma