K Kavitha, Daughter of Former Telangana CM, Arrested by ED in Connection with Alleged ₹100 Crore Payment to AAP Leaders

K Kavitha, the daughter of former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, finds herself embroiled in controversy as she was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) last week. The ED alleges her involvement in a money laundering case linked to the Delhi excise policy, wherein she purportedly paid ₹100 crore to leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) through a conspiracy involving top AAP officials like Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia.

The ED contends that Kavitha conspired with AAP leaders to secure favors in the formulation and implementation of the Delhi excise policy. In exchange for these favors, she allegedly facilitated a payment of ₹100 crore to AAP leaders. Kavitha, along with several others, is accused of generating illegal funds through corruption and conspiracy in the Delhi excise policy, thereby benefiting the AAP.

Kavitha’s arrest comes amidst a series of actions taken by the ED in the ongoing investigation. The agency has conducted searches at numerous locations across the country since the case was registered in 2022. So far, 15 individuals, including former Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, AAP leader Sanjay Singh, and some liquor businessmen, have been arrested in connection with the case. The ED has filed six charge sheets and attached assets worth over ₹128 crore.

In the wake of her arrest, Kavitha’s brother and former Telangana minister KT Rama Rao engaged in a heated exchange with ED officials, alleging violation of legal procedures. Kavitha’s arrest follows several summons for questioning, which she reportedly skipped on multiple occasions. The ED alleges that Kavitha played a significant role in the Delhi liquor policy scam, alongside other members of the ‘south cartel.’

The ‘south cartel,’ as alleged by the ED, received undue benefits in the Delhi liquor business under the scrapped Delhi excise policy. Businessman Vijay Nair, acting as a link between the south cartel and AAP leaders, purportedly facilitated kickbacks amounting to ₹100 crore from the south cartel. Kavitha’s alleged involvement in this scheme has drawn considerable attention and scrutiny, raising questions about political corruption and the integrity of electoral processes.

Kavitha’s arrest underscores the complexities and challenges surrounding political funding and governance. The allegations against her and other implicated individuals highlight the need for robust mechanisms to ensure transparency and accountability in political affairs. With the ED intensifying its efforts and the legal proceedings underway, the case continues to evoke public interest and scrutiny, shaping the discourse on ethics and governance in contemporary India.