Tension at Telangana Bhavan as police shut down Niloufer Café during KTR’s ACB appearance

Hyderabad: Police on Monday, June 16, 2025, shut down the popular Niloufer Café near Telangana Bhavan as a precaution while BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) appeared before the Telangana Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in connection with alleged irregularities in the Hyderabad Formula E race project.

The café, located close to the BRS headquarters, was forcibly closed, and customers were asked to leave. According to the sources, police also detained a few individuals in the area. Section 144 prohibitory orders were imposed, and barricades were set up around Telangana Bhavan. Several nearby shops were also asked to close, disrupting normal activity in the area.

KTR arrived at the ACB office around 10 a.m. for questioning related to the alleged diversion of ₹55 crore from the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) to Formula E Operations (FEO), reportedly without proper approvals. The funds were initially allocated for a second Formula E race, which was later canceled after a change in government in December 2023.

KTR’s appearance drew attention amid speculation of a possible arrest. A crowd of BRS workers gathered near the ACB office, and senior party leader T. Harish Rao accompanied KTR. Other leaders, including MLA Padi Kaushik Reddy, former MP Balka Suman, and Karthik Reddy, visited KTR’s residence earlier in the day.

Before heading to the ACB office, KTR met former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) at his residence in Nandinagar, Banjara Hills. Sources said they discussed the ongoing investigation.

In a post on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) earlier in the morning, KTR said he would not be intimidated by investigations or political pressure. He accused Chief Minister Revanth Reddy of targeting him for political reasons and dismissed the allegations as part of a vendetta.

KTR had earlier received an ACB notice to appear on May 28 but requested more time, citing overseas travel. In his written response, he assured full cooperation and described the case as politically motivated.

The investigation also names former Municipal Administration Secretary Arvind Kumar and HMDA Chief Engineer B.L.N. Reddy. According to sources, B.L.N. Reddy told the Enforcement Directorate he acted on instructions from Kumar, who said he was following directions from KTR. Security remained tight throughout the day, with a heavy police presence to prevent any unrest.