K Kavita has alleged a political conspiracy behind the ED’s summons.
New Delhi:
Bharat Rashtra Samithi leader and daughter of Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao Kavitha will not appear before the Enforcement Directorate in Delhi. She was today summoned by the probe agency for questioning in a money laundering case linked to the Delhi Liquor Policy matter, but she approached the Supreme Court for an urgent hearing, claiming that as a woman, she cannot be called to the ED office. and instead the representatives of the investigating agency should meet him. He has sent the documents sought by the probe agency through his legal representative and informed the ED that the matter is pending in the Supreme Court.
Sources said the ED is unlikely to accept it and would insist on his appearance.
Ms Kavita’s lawyer had sought an urgent hearing, claiming that calling her to the ED office was “completely against the law”. He has not been named as an accused by the CBI or the ED.
A bench of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice PS Narasimha had agreed to hear his request on March 24.
His party BRS did a show of strength in Delhi today. BRS ministers and top leaders have reached the national capital in support of the poem by one of the most popular faces of the party.
In the same case, on March 11, Ms. Kavita was questioned for hours by the Enforcement Directorate. He has been summoned for the third time today.
Ms Kavita, 44, has also challenged the confiscation of her phone.
K Kavita has alleged a political conspiracy behind the ED’s summons. His party leaders have also said that the investigative agency has become an extended wing of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The BRS leader has alleged that he was summoned by the probe agency on the basis of statements made under threat and pressure.
Hyderabad-based liquor baron Arun Ramachandra Pillai, who was arrested on Monday night in the liquor policy case, and Kavita’s former auditor, Hyderabad-based chartered accountant Buchibabu Gorantla, were also questioned in the matter yesterday. Investigators have linked Ms. Kavita to the two of them, describing them as part of the “southern group”.
Notably, former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi Manish Sisodia, who is accused of favoring a “right group” while formulating Delhi’s excise policy, has been arrested by the ED in the same case. His bail application in the CBI case is to be heard in a special court on March 21.
The BJP has been targeting the BRS over allegations of corruption. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have repeatedly targeted KCR over dynasty politics and corruption.
The action against the BRS leader comes at a time when the party is planning to go national to show the country the ‘Telangana model’.