Telangana: BRS MLC K Kavitha To Appear For Questioning In Delhi Liquor Scam On 11 March, Claims No Wrongdoing

Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLC K Kavitha from Telangana would be appearing before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on 11 March for questioning in the Delhi liquor scam.

In a press conference, she stated that she will cooperate with the ED.

Kavitha, who is the daughter of Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, was asked to appear before the ED on 9 March.

Earlier, she had said that she would be seeking a fresh date in light of the one-day hunger strike in support of the Women's Reservation Bill.

During the press conference, she stated that women have a "fundamental right" to be questioned at their home if they have to be interrogated by a central agency.

She added that she had asked for a later date of 16 March, but agreed to appear on 11 March after the ED refused. She questioned the agency's rush to probe her.

The ED wants to confront her with Hyderabad-based businessman Arun Ramchandran Pillai, who was arrested on Monday for his alleged involvement in a liquor cartel called the "south group," which comprises of Sarath Reddy (promoter of Aurobindo Pharma), Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy (YSR Congress MP from Ongole Lok Sabha seat), Kavitha and others, as per the investigative agencies.

The agency will now record Kavitha's statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) on 11 March. This is the second time, the agency would be questioning her.

Kavitha has accused the central government of using the ED to gain access to Telangana, where the BJP has been unsuccessful in securing backdoor entry.

Addressing a press conference in Delhi, Kavitha said, "We will face Enforcement Directorate, we have not done anything wrong... I urge PM Modi to reduce prices, give more subsidies and jobs. What will you get by torturing people like us?'.

Kavitha also revealed that 18 political parties have confirmed their participation in a hunger strike on 10 March in Delhi, supporting the Women's Reservation Bill.

(With inputs from PTI)