Enforcement Directorate Continues Probe into Alleged Irregularities in Delhi Excise Policy

NEW-DELHI: In the ongoing investigation into the Delhi Excise Policy case, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued a summons to K. Kavitha, the daughter of Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao. Officials made this announcement on Thursday, indicating that K. Kavitha has been called in for questioning. This development follows her previous appearances at the ED headquarters in March.

As part of the investigation, K. Kavitha is required to surrender her mobile phones to the federal agency. The case revolves around allegations of significant discrepancies in the Delhi government's excise policy for the fiscal year 2021-22, particularly concerning the issuance of licenses to liquor traders. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led government in the national capital had vehemently refuted these allegations.

Subsequently, the excise policy in question was revoked, and the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi recommended a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry. Following this recommendation, the Enforcement Directorate registered a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. During the course of its investigation, the ED recorded a statement from Buchibabu, an accountant believed to be associated with K. Kavitha.

In his statement, Buchibabu reportedly mentioned, "There was a political reconciliation between Kavitha, the Chief Minister (Arvind Kejriwal), and the Deputy Chief Minister (Manish Sisodia). As part of this process, Kavitha also met with Vijay Nair on March 19-20, 2021." It's worth noting that Kavitha has consistently maintained her innocence throughout the investigation. She has also accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Central Government of politically wielding the ED for their own purposes.