TRS MLC Kavitha records her statement before CBI in Delhi liquor scam case

Hyderabad: TRS MLC Kalvakuntla Kavitha recorded her statement on 11 December as asked by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the Delhi liquor policy scam case. The central agency sizzled Kavita for over 7 hours. It is pertinent to note that Kavita's name has not surfaced in the CBI's first chargesheet in the Delhi's liquor scam but has in the ED's remand application.

Investigation into Delhi Liquor Policy Scam has revealed that TRS MLC Kalvakuntla Kavitha, whose name figured in Enforcement Directorate (ED's ) remand report, changed the device of her both phone numbers 10 times. Likewise, Hyderabad-based Aurobindo Group Managing Director P Sarath Reddy, who was earlier arrested by ED, reportedly changed his phone device nine times. Reddy's name too figured in ED's remand report.

ED said the accused and suspects destroyed digital evidence to impede the investigation. "An attempt was also made to see that the evidence about the commission of this scam running into thousands of crores was either destroyed which would contain valuable digital data and material to prove further kickbacks," ED said. Pertinently, major evidence related to liquor scam were stored in digital formats both on mobile phones and laptops, However, as soon as the scam was unearthed and the case was handed over to investigating agency, a large number of digital devices were found to be destroyed or changed by the suspects. According to ED, at least, 36 accused and suspects involved in the scam have destroyed or used 170 phones (as per IMEI analysis).

The CBI had issued her a notice seeking clarification after her name surfaced in the Enforcement Directorate's remand application copy. The TRS MLC was asked to record her statement on 6 December initially, but she postponed it to 11 December.

CBI sleuths reached her residence at Banjara Hills at around 2 p.m and recorded her statement.ED has named Kalvakuntla Kavitha as one of the key members of the 'South Group'. ED said as per the investigation carried out so far, arrested businessman Vijay Nair, on behalf of AAP leaders, received kickbacks to the tune of Rs. 100 crores from a group called 'South Group' (controlled by Sarath Reddy, K. Kavitha, Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy). This was disclosed by Amit Arora in his statements, following which the CBI issued Kavitha a notice seeking clarification.

Earlier, in a written reply to the CBI, Kavitha had said, "I am in receipt of your e-mail, wherein you have stated that the copy of FIR as well as complaint is available on the website. I have carefully gone through the contents of the FIR, list of accused persons as well as the contents of the complaint dated 22.07.2022. I wish to place on record that my name does not figure in any manner what so ever."

She further said, "As proposed by you I am not in a position to meet on 6 December 2022, because of my preoccupied schedule, I will be able to meet you either on 11, 12, 14, or 15 of this month, whichever is convenient to you, at my residence in Hyderabad."

She added, "I am a law-abiding citizen and will cooperate with the investigation. I will meet you on any of the above said dates to cooperate with the investigation. It is made clear that this is without prejudice to my legal rights available under law."