ED Claims K Kavitha Paid Rs 100 Crore to AAP Leaders in Liquor Policy Conspiracy

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has alleged that K Kavitha, the daughter of former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao, was part of a conspiracy involving Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and other Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders to gain favors in the liquor policy. Kavitha was arrested by the ED from Hyderabad and produced in court, where she was remanded in custody until March 23.

The ED claimed that Kavitha paid Rs 100 crore to AAP leaders in exchange for these favors. The agency mentioned that this payment was related to acts of corruption and conspiracy in the formulation and implementation of the Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22, leading to illegal funds generated for AAP through kickbacks from wholesalers.

In the ongoing investigation, ED highlighted the involvement of Kavitha and her associates in planning to recover advance payments made to AAP leaders and generate additional profits from this alleged conspiracy. The agency has conducted searches in various locations across the country, leading to the arrest of 15 individuals, including Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh from AAP.

The ED also revealed connections to a ‘South Group‘ lobby of liquor traders in the case, indicating kickbacks worth at least Rs 100 crore received by Vijay Nair. The money was allegedly from the ‘South Group’, which was reportedly controlled by Sarath Reddy, Kavitha, and Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy, on behalf of AAP leaders.

Political implications have surfaced as the ED recently sent a ninth summon to Arvind Kejriwal, raising concerns within AAP that the agency might target him ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. The CBI also hinted at potential arrests in the ordeal, hinting at some ‘high-profile individuals’ who may face legal actions soon.

The responses from AAP have been adamant, portraying the ED’s claims as baseless and politically motivated to undermine their leaders. AAP accused the ED of lacking evidence in the case and suggested partiality, insinuating connections between the agency’s investigations and the BJP.