Liquor Policy Case: ED Files Sixth Charge Sheet Against BRS Leader Kavitha
HYDERABAD: The Enforcement Directorate filed a sixth supplementary charge sheet against BRS Leader K Kavitha, currently in judicial custody, and four others in the liquor policy case. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who was granted bail by the Supreme Court on Friday, is yet to be charge sheeted, thus becoming an accused in the case.
ED’s Allegations and Legal Proceedings
The charge sheet, termed a supplementary prosecution complaint by the ED, was submitted at Rouse Avenue Court for review on Monday. In the 224-page document, the ED identified Chanpreet Singh, Damodar Sharma, Prince Kumar, and Arvind Singh as the accused involved in money laundering related to the Delhi liquor policy case. Earlier, the ED alleged that Kavitha, part of the South Group, had purportedly provided ₹100 crore to AAP, which was utilized for funding the Goa Assembly election.
Kavitha has appealed to the Delhi High Court for bail in the liquor case overseen by the ED. The court issued a notice to the ED on Friday, seeking their response to Kavitha’s bail plea. She has been detained in Tihar jail since the previous month.
BRS MLC Kavitha named in ED chargesheet in Delhi Liquor scam
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a new chargesheet in the Delhi excise policy money laundering case. K Kavitha, a leader of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), along with four others, has been accused.
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— Sudhakar Udumula (@sudhakarudumula) May 11, 2024
Simultaneously, Kavitha filed a bail plea before Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma of the Delhi High Court after the trial court rejected her release from judicial custody in the liquor case initially managed by the CBI.
The BRS leader requested bail citing her minor child’s current shock and medical treatment. She argued that the case against her relies on statements from the approver, co-accused, and witnesses under section 50 of the PMLA, lacking concrete evidence of guilt as stated in her bail plea.
The daughter of former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar contended that her arrest was unlawful as Section 19 of the PMLA, concerning the authorization of power for the designated officer to arrest, was not adhered to. Additionally, she highlighted the absence of a money trail or cash transaction linking her to the PMLA case, asserting that the grounds for her arrest were deceptive and lacking substance.
CM Revanth Reddy reorganizes disaster management for Greater Hyderabad
HYDERABAD: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has decided to assign critical responsibilities to the Disaster Management Department within Greater Hyderabad. He has directed officials to implement structural changes and redistribute responsibilities accordingly. In a review meeting at the Secretariat on Monday evening, the Chief Minister discussed the reorganization with officials from Municipal Administration, HMDA, and Musi Development.
Expansion of disaster management responsibilities
Recognizing the geographic expansion of Hyderabad, the Chief Minister ordered the Disaster Management Department to extend its jurisdiction to the Outer Ring Road. He suggested including GHMC, 27 surrounding municipalities and corporations, and 33 gram panchayats within its service area. The department will be renamed the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring Protection (HYDRA). The Chief Minister proposed appointing a DIG-level officer as the director and SP-level officers as additional directors. He also recommended special teams from GHMC, HMDA, the Water Board, city traffic, and other departments to join this new division.
The Chief Minister emphasized the need for the Disaster Management Department to offer continuous services to city residents, not just during floods or emergencies. HYDRA should actively address all issues faced by Hyderabad’s citizens, including preserving the city’s tanks and ponds, protecting government properties from encroachments, and managing hoardings and flex banners. Additionally, HYDRA will oversee water pipelines, electricity supply lines, drainage, flood management, and traffic control.
Focus on heritage and infrastructure projects
Chief Minister Reddy directed the acceleration of the Musi River Development Project, aiming to elevate Hyderabad’s international reputation. He stressed the importance of working towards the government’s goal of transforming this project into a landmark. He also ordered officials to take necessary actions to restore historical buildings and structures within the city. The GHMC presented a PowerPoint on various heritage sites, such as the City Library, Charminar Ayurvedic Hospital, and Nizamia Observatory etc. The Chief Minister encouraged exploring ways to develop these sites for tourism and integrating feasible ones into the Musi River Development Project.
The Chief Minister instructed Chief Secretary Shantikumar to draft a comprehensive reorganization plan, including staffing, duties, and budget allocations for HYDRA. He also emphasized identifying key areas where the Disaster Management Department can enhance its operations.
The meeting included Chief Secretary Shantikumar, Principal Secretary of Municipal Administration and Urban Development Danakishore, GHMC Commissioner Amrapali, GHMC Vigilance Disaster Management Commissioner A.V. Ranganath, and Hyderabad Water Board MD Ashok Reddy.
