‘K Kavitha’s brother, lawyers delay proceedings’: Investigating agency’s claims

After K Kavitha was arrested by Enforcement Directorate

The Enforcement Directorate claimed that BRS leader K Kavitha was arrested at 5.20 pm on Friday, but 40 minutes later, at 6 pm, a person claiming to be her brother and a lawyer illegally entered Telangana leader Banga Rashan’s home delayed the proceedings.

Ms. Kavitha, a member of the Telangana Legislative Council (MLC) and daughter of former chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao, was arrested today in connection with the Delhi liquor policy scam.

“Around 6 pm, some persons claiming to be K Kavitha’s brother, a lawyer and about 20 others illegally entered the premises. When asked for their identity, no one identified themselves. A commotion was triggered which resulted in delay in the proceedings,” said the central investigative agency that investigates financial fraud.

The agency said the search began at 1:45 p.m. and ended at 6:45 p.m.

In a dramatic video, Ms Kavita’s brother and former Telangana minister KT Rama Rao is seen confronting agency officials after being asked how family members entered the house.

Mr. Rao accused officials of violating the agency’s promise to the Supreme Court. “You’re in serious trouble,” he said on camera. Legal remedies are available and the ER will fight back.

“After due process of law, K Kavitha was arrested at 5.20 pm under Section 19 of Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002,” the central agency said, adding that five mobile phones were seized during the search.

“The search was conducted peacefully and orderly and no damage was caused to persons or property during the search. No religious sentiments of anyone were hurt during the search and Covid 19 protocols were followed,” the agency said, adding.

The video also shows the agency’s car being surrounded as it leaves with Ms Kavitha.

However, Mr. Rao claimed that his family was cooperating with the agency. He called the arrest illegal and said he and other senior leaders had asked party workers to remain peaceful and not prevent the arrests.

The Enforcement Directorate alleged that Ms. Kavitha was a member of a lobby group called the South Group, which played a key role in the alleged Delhi liquor policy scam.

The BRS leader has said in the past that she has done nothing illegal and accused the BJP of using ED for political gain.