New Delhi, March 22, 2024 : A Delhi court on Saturday extended the Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody of Bharat Rashtriya Samithi (BRS) legislator K Kavitha until March 26 in connection with the agency’s investigation into money laundering charges related to the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy 2021-22 case.

Special judge Kaveri Baweja issued the order, directing the probe agency to present Kavitha on March 26 at 11:00 am.

On Friday, the Supreme Court denied bail to Kavitha in the case and advised her to approach the trial court, stating that it would not consider a bail plea solely because she is a political figure or could afford to approach the top court directly.

The ED informed the court that Kavitha had allegedly conspired in the payment of kickbacks amounting to Rs. 100 crore and requested a further remand of five days.

Representing the ED, Zoheb Hussain informed the court that Kavitha’s mobile data had been analyzed by experts, and she had been confronted with a forensic science report indicating that data had been deleted during the money laundering investigation. The advocate also mentioned that the ED was conducting searches at her nephew’s residence.

Kavitha, 46, the daughter of former Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR), was arrested by the ED from her residence in Hyderabad on the evening of March 15, following an extensive search operation and raid conducted by the federal agency and income tax officials.

On March 16, a Delhi court remanded her to ED custody until March 23, stating that her custodial interrogation was necessary to trace a significant portion of the proceeds of crime.

Appearing through advocate Nitesh Rana, Kavitha submitted to the court that the ED was seeking certain documents from her, but she would not be able to produce them until she was granted bail.

Rana informed the court that although Kavitha had filed a bail application, she was not pressing it at this time but was only requesting the court to issue a notice to the ED.

While Kavitha has not been named as an accused in any of the six charge sheets filed by the ED since November 2023, the advocate stated that she was referred to as a key figure in the excise policy-related irregularities in the court documents.

North Zone DCP honored brave duo who thwarted armed robbers; video available.

Hyderabad, March 22 : A woman and her daughter in Hyderabad showcased immense courage as they thwarted a robbery attempt at their home, even managing to disarm one of the criminals, according to police reports. Amita Mahnot and her minor daughter bravely resisted the robbery bid, seizing a country-made weapon from one of the offenders. The video capturing the incident, which unfolded within the jurisdiction of Begumpet police station on Thursday, quickly went viral on social media platforms.

Law enforcement officials revealed on Friday that they have apprehended the two robbers, both originating from Uttar Pradesh. Identified as Sushil Kumar and Premchandra, the perpetrators attempted to burglarize a family residence in Begumpet. Prior to their nefarious act, the duo meticulously planned the robbery and conducted reconnaissance of the targeted property. Sushil Kumar initiated contact with Mahnot, the homeowner, feigning a delivery under the guise of N.K. Jain. Seizing the opportunity when Mahnot’s servant descended to accept the purported courier, the masked assailants forcibly entered the premises.

While Premchandra menaced a maid with a knife in the kitchen, a scuffle ensued between Mahnot’s daughter and Sushil Kumar. Mahnot herself intervened, thwarting the robbery endeavor. Amidst the altercation, Sushil Kumar brandished a country-made firearm from his bag, attempting to intimidate the mother and daughter.

A police official disclosed that Mahnot, proficient in martial arts, retaliated by disarming Sushil Kumar with a swift kick, causing him to flee the scene. Unaware of the unfolding events outside, the second perpetrator was apprehended by neighbors who responded to the commotion. Authorities recovered various incriminating items from the accused, including ropes, firearms, ammunition, knives, and a gift box.

Sushil Kumar, a resident of Kanpur, and Premchadra, residing in M.S. Maqtha, were presented before a court, subsequently remanded to judicial custody. Deputy Commissioner of Police, North Zone, Rohini Priyadarshini, lauded the exemplary valor demonstrated by the mother and daughter. She emphasized that their courage and swift action not only thwarted the robbery attempt but also facilitated the apprehension of one of the culprits with community assistance.

In a special commendation, North Zone DCP Rohini Priyadarshini felicitated the courageous mother and daughter who bravely fought off armed robbers and successfully foiled a robbery attempt yesterday. Watch the video

“This is called politics.”

Hyderabad: Discord brews within the ranks of the Congress party as Muslim leaders express discontent over the selection of the Hyderabad Lok Sabha seat candidate. Supreme Court lawyer Shahnaz Tabassum, chosen by the party’s central leadership to contest against incumbent MP Asaduddin Owaisi from the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), has sparked controversy among minority leaders.

The decision to field Tabassum has drawn criticism from within the Telangana Congress unit, with senior leaders feeling sidelined. Tabassum, though respected in legal circles and serving as the founder and national president of All India Azaad Congress Party, is viewed as an “outsider” by some within the party ranks.

“A smooth sailing with Muslim votes is Revanth Reddy’s priority, hence the alliance with AIMIM. But what about our loyal party members who have toiled for years? Tabassum may be a respected lawyer, but she lacks the grassroots connection to mount a credible challenge,” remarked a senior Congress Muslim leader, preferring anonymity.

The discontent extends to the defunct state of the party’s minority cell, with leaders lamenting the lack of direction and representation. The absence of a chairman in the minority cell, following Sheikh Abdullah Sohail’s departure to the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), has further exacerbated the situation.

A senior TPCC member hinted at the Congress’s strategic maneuvering to maintain friendly relations with the AIMIM, a surprising turn given Owaisi’s vocal criticism of the party. The Congress’s initial plan to support the Majlis Bachao Tehreek (MBT) for the Hyderabad Lok Sabha seat, following a close contest in last year’s Assembly polls, has also been abandoned.

“The Congress seems indifferent to fielding a strong Muslim contender against Owaisi, despite its electoral potential. This reluctance underscores the party’s lack of cohesive Muslim leadership in the state,” emphasized a minority leader from the Congress.

With Telangana offering 17 Lok Sabha seats, the AIMIM’s stronghold on Hyderabad since 1984 presents a formidable challenge for any opposing candidate. In 2019, Owaisi secured a significant victory with approximately five lakh votes, leaving his closest competitor from the BJP trailing with 2.35 lakh votes. As the electoral battleground heats up, internal dissent within the Congress threatens to undermine its prospects in the crucial Hyderabad constituency.