BRS leader K Kavitha walks free after SC grants bail in Delhi excise policy case

New Delhi: Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K Kavitha was released from Tihar Jail on Tuesday night after being granted bail by the Supreme Court in the Delhi excise policy case. Kavitha, who had been in jail for five months, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in March on charges of money laundering linked to the case.

Celebrations as Kavitha walks out of jail

As Kavitha stepped out of the Tihar Jail complex, she was greeted by a jubilant crowd of BRS workers and supporters who had gathered outside. The scene was filled with celebrations as they played drums and burst crackers to welcome her release. Her brother, K T Rama Rao, who is also the working president of BRS, was present to support her.

When was Kavitha arrested?

Kavitha was initially arrested in March at her Banjara Hill residence in Hyderabad. She was then taken to Tihar Jail, where she was held in jail number 6. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) later arrested her inside the jail in April, extending her time in custody.

#WATCH | Delhi: BRS leader K Kavitha walks out of Tihar Jail. She was granted bail in the Delhi excise policy case by the Supreme Court today.

K Kavitha hugs her son, husband and brother KTR. pic.twitter.com/d748B61ZCy

— ANI (@ANI) August 27, 2024

Kavitha's statement on case

Addressing the crowd of supporters upon her release, Kavitha vowed to fight the allegations against her both legally and politically. "We are fighters, and we will fight it out legally and politically. They have only made the BRS and KCR's team unbreakable," she declared. She also maintained her innocence, stating, “The entire country knows I was put in jail for political reasons. I have done nothing wrong.”

#WATCH | Delhi: BRS leader K Kavitha says "We are fighters, we will fight it out legally and politically. They have only made the BRS and KCR's team unbreakable." pic.twitter.com/ODOIYZpeFw

— ANI (@ANI) August 27, 2024

Supreme Court's decision

The Supreme Court's decision to grant Kavitha bail was seen as a significant development in the case. The bench, comprising Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan, questioned the central agencies about the fairness of their investigation and whether they were selectively targeting individuals. The court ordered her immediate release on bail upon furnishing bonds worth ₹10 lakh in each of the cases.

Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Kavitha, argued for her bail, stating that the investigation against her was complete. He also pointed out that another accused in the same case, Manish Sisodia, had been granted bail earlier this month.