Kavitha Returns from Jail: Vows to Prove Innocence Amidst Support and Criticism
New Delhi In a dramatic turn of events, BRS (Bharat Rashtra Samithi) leader K Kavitha was released from Tihar Jail on Tuesday evening, following a Supreme Court ruling that granted her bail. Kavitha, who had been in custody for five months, received a warm reception from her party members as she exited the prison, vowing to clear her name and challenge those she believes wrongfully implicated her.
Emotional Reunion and Defiant Stance
Kavitha, 46, was met with enthusiastic cheers from BRS supporters and party officials, including her brother, K T Rama Rao, who is the BRS working president. The scene outside Tihar Jail was one of jubilation, marked by celebratory drumming and fireworks as party members and local leaders expressed their solidarity.
In a spirited address to her supporters, Kavitha accused her arrest of being politically motivated. “The entire country knows I have done nothing wrong,” she asserted, reflecting on the “unjust” imprisonment that she claimed had only strengthened her party’s resolve. She promised to “return it with interest” to those responsible for her detention, emphasizing her determination to fight both legally and politically.
Supreme Court Decision and Legal Ramifications
The Supreme Court, in its ruling on Tuesday, quashed the July 1 verdict of the Delhi High Court, which had previously denied Kavitha bail. Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan acknowledged that Kavitha had been in custody for a significant period and that the investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) was substantially complete. The court stipulated that Kavitha must not tamper with evidence or influence witnesses, deposit her passport with the trial judge, and attend all court proceedings.
The court also expressed criticism towards the handling of the investigation by federal agencies, questioning the fairness and impartiality of the process. Observations from the bench included concerns about the selective nature of witness statements and the overall fairness of the prosecution.
Political and Personal Impact
Kavitha’s father, BRS founder and Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR), has alleged that the arrest was a politically motivated act of vendetta by the BJP. This sentiment was echoed by K T Rama Rao, who thanked the Supreme Court on social media and described the ruling as a relief and a victory for justice.
As Kavitha prepares to return to Hyderabad on Wednesday afternoon, the BRS has continued to show its support by distributing sweets at their Hyderabad headquarters, further highlighting the party’s unified front in the wake of the legal battle.
Continued Controversies and Future Prospects
The case against Kavitha involves allegations of her involvement in a purported corruption scandal connected to the Delhi excise policy. She and other accused are alleged to have participated in a scheme involving kickbacks of Rs 100 crore in exchange for liquor licenses. Kavitha has vehemently denied these allegations, maintaining her stance of innocence and attributing her legal troubles to political motivations.
As Kavitha moves forward with her legal and political strategy, the BRS remains steadfast in its support, portraying her release as a triumph over what they describe as a politically motivated conspiracy. The party’s leadership and supporters are expected to continue their vigorous defense of Kavitha as the case progresses.