Hyderabad (Telangana) [India]: Telangana Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) began questioning Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President KT Rama Rao (KTR) on Thursday regarding his alleged involvement in the Formula-E funding case. BRS MLA Harish Rao was reportedly detained at his residence, with police personnel deployed outside, according to his Public Relations Officer (PRO).
Worked tirelessly for bringing a prestigious event to India, to enhance the Brand image of Hyderabad & Telangana globally
— KTR (@KTRBRS) January 9, 2025
Agenda was to make Hyderabad a pivotal hub for sustainable mobility as the world transitions towards it. Formula-E race was a part of the effort to realise… pic.twitter.com/JhqimVe9TI
KTR arrived at the ACB office in Hyderabad to cooperate with the investigation into financial irregularities linked to the Formula-E race held in Hyderabad in February 2023.
KTR’s Statement on Formula-E Race
In a post on X, KTR defended the event, emphasizing its role in elevating Hyderabad’s global reputation.
“Worked tirelessly for bringing a prestigious event to India to enhance the brand image of Hyderabad & Telangana globally,” KTR stated.
He further highlighted the initiative’s aim to position Hyderabad as a hub for sustainable mobility as the world transitions toward it.
Case Background
The Telangana ACB registered a case on December 19, accusing KTR and others of financial misconduct, including unapproved foreign currency payments related to the Formula-E race. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) also filed an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), following an FIR by the ACB.
KTR is listed as the primary accused in the case, with senior IAS officer Arvind Kumar and retired bureaucrat BLN Reddy named as the second and third accused, respectively. The case invokes sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act and provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) related to criminal breach of trust and conspiracy.
Allegations and Investigation
The investigation centers on alleged financial irregularities, including unauthorized payments made during the previous government’s tenure. The ACB and ED are probing whether these funds were misused and if any money laundering occurred.
Meanwhile, KTR’s supporters argue that the event brought global recognition to Hyderabad and should be viewed as a step toward sustainable mobility rather than a criminal matter.