The Delhi Court on Friday remanded Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K Kavitha to the custody of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) till April 15 in the Delhi Excise Policy Case.

Special Judge (PC Act) Kaveri Baweja of the Rouse Avenue Courts issued the order. The CBI had previously requested a five-day custody of the BRS leader, who was apprehended by the central agency on Thursday subsequent to her interrogation in the case.

Kavitha, already under judicial custody in a money laundering case related to the alleged scam, was arrested by the CBI. The case against her and others dates back to 2022 when the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed a First Information Report (FIR), alleging manipulation of the Delhi Excise Policy of 2021-22. This manipulation purportedly facilitated the monopolization and cartelization of the wholesale and retail liquor trade in Delhi. The case, registered under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act and the Indian Penal Code (IPC), specifically alleged that certain individuals from South India benefited from the scheme, with a portion of their profits allegedly directed to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

In addition to the ongoing investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is conducting a separate probe into allegations of money laundering related to the case. During today's hearing, the CBI informed the Court that the BRS leader had played a significant role in facilitating the movement of funds. The agency presented WhatsApp conversations as evidence, alleging that Kavitha held a partnership in the wholesale license of the liquor company Indospirit through a proxy. Furthermore, the central agency accused Kavitha of providing evasive and contradictory responses during her recent interrogation.

During today's hearing, Senior Advocate Vikram Chaudhary raised concerns regarding the timing of Kavitha's arrest in relation to the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. He alleged that the central agency's decision to detain Kavitha in the second case was aimed at prolonging the custody of a prominent leader, possibly influencing public opinion during the electoral period.

Kavitha was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 15. She stands accused of purportedly paying bribes to AAP leaders in return for favorable treatment for both herself and the "South Group" of liquor traders and lobbyists.

In the Delhi excise policy case, Kavitha ranks among the most high-profile politicians arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Notably, other political figures apprehended in connection with this case include Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia.

On April 5, the Court granted permission for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to interrogate Kavitha while she remained in judicial custody, following an application by the central agency. The CBI expressed its intent to question Kavitha regarding conversations retrieved from Buchi Babu's phone (an accountant associated with her) and documents concerning a land transaction, purportedly linked to the payment of ₹100 crore in bribes to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) as kickbacks.