KTR arrives at ACB office in Banjara Hills for questioning in Formula E race case

Hyderabad: KT Rama Rao (KTR), working president of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and former Telangana Minister, arrived at the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) office in Banjara Hills on Thursday, January 9, 2025, for questioning in connection with the Formula E race case.

Speaking to the media earlier at his residence in Nandinagar, KTR defended his involvement, stating, “Whatever I did was to enhance the brand image of Hyderabad and Telangana.” He added that under the BRS government, no contracts were awarded to benefit his in-laws or his son.

KTR explained that his goal was to position Hyderabad as a key hub for sustainable mobility, noting that the Formula E race was part of a larger vision to promote this transition.

The ACB investigation centers on alleged financial irregularities related to the Formula E race held in Hyderabad in February 2023. Specifically, it concerns the transfer of ₹55 crore from the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) to Formula E Operations (FEO) without proper approvals. The funds were meant for a second race, which was ultimately canceled after the change in government in December 2023.

BLN Reddy, another accused in the case, reportedly told the Enforcement Directorate (ED) that he acted under the directions of IAS officer Arvind Kumar. Arvind, in turn, claimed that he was following instructions from KTR.

On January 8, 2025, the Telangana High Court ruled that KTR could be accompanied by his lawyer during questioning. Advocate Ramachander was permitted to observe the proceedings from a library adjacent to the investigation room, with a clear view of the questioning. The court also directed that any issues arising during the investigation should be reported the following day for further guidance.

This ruling followed KTR’s earlier visit to the ACB office on January 6, 2025, when he refused to be questioned without his lawyer’s presence. KTR had highlighted the right to legal representation, arguing that the ACB already had all the relevant information regarding his role in the event.

The ACB case investigation involves KTR, former Municipal Administration Secretary Arvind Kumar, and HMDA Chief Engineer BLN Reddy. KTR has denied any wrongdoing and stated his intention to address the allegations in court.

In addition to the ACB inquiry, KTR has been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for questioning on January 16, 2025, in connection with the same case. The ED is investigating possible violations of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), specifically regarding unauthorized fund transfers abroad.

On January 7, 2025, the Telangana High Court dismissed KTR’s petition to quash the FIR filed against him in the Formula E case, allowing the investigation to proceed. The court also rejected his request for 10-day arrest protection.