Delving Into Corruption: The Unveiling of Delhi’s Liquor Policy Scam & The Arrest of K Kavitha MLC By Directorate of Enforcement (ED)
(Judicial Quest News Network)
The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Headquarters office, made a significant breakthrough on March 15, 2024, with the arrest of Smt. K Kavitha, a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) from Telangana. This arrest comes in connection with the notorious Delhi Liquor Policy Scam, a case that has sent shockwaves across the political spectrum.
Following her apprehension, the Hon’ble Special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) Court in New Delhi has granted the ED seven days of custodial interrogation, extending until March 23, 2024, as per the order issued on March 16, 2024. Concurrently, on the same day of her arrest, a meticulous search was conducted at Ms. Kavitha’s residence in Hyderabad.
However, the course of the investigation faced obstruction from the relatives and associates of Smt. Kavitha during the search proceedings, reflecting the gravity and complexity of the case.
Subsequent ED investigations unearthed a web of conspiracy implicating Ms. Kavitha, along with other accomplices, including high-ranking members of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), such as Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia. Their collusion aimed at securing undue advantages in the formulation and execution of the Delhi Excise policy.
In exchange for these illicit favors, Ms. Kavitha was allegedly involved in transferring a staggering sum of Rs. 100 Crore to AAP leaders. The nefarious activities surrounding the Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22 facilitated a continuous flow of illegal funds in the form of kickbacks from wholesalers, enriching the coffers of AAP.
Moreover, it has been revealed that Smt. Kavitha and her associates orchestrated plans to retrieve the proceeds of crime previously disbursed to AAP, with intentions to further exploit this conspiracy for personal gains.
To date, the ED’s relentless pursuit of justice has led to searches across 245 locations nationwide, spanning cities such as Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Mumbai. Fifteen individuals, including prominent figures like Manish Sisodia, Sanjay Singh, and Vijay Nair from AAP, have been apprehended in connection with this case.
The ED has filed one Prosecution Complaint and five Supplementary Complaints, marking significant strides in legal proceedings. Furthermore, assets valued at Rs. 128.79 Crore, believed to be the proceeds of crime, have been traced and provisionally attached in accordance with orders dated January 24, 2023, and July 3, 2023, both confirmed by the Adjudicating Authority in New Delhi.
With investigations ongoing, the ED remains steadfast in its commitment to unraveling the intricate layers of corruption and bringing all perpetrators to justice, ensuring accountability and upholding the sanctity of the law.
