GG News Bureau
Hyderabad, 9th Jan. Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President and MLA K.T. Rama Rao (KTR), the prime accused in the Formula E race corruption case, appeared before the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Thursday for questioning regarding alleged unauthorized payments for organizing the event.
KTR, accompanied by his lawyer, complied with Telangana High Court guidelines, which allowed legal representation outside the interrogation room. The court had earlier granted permission for his advocate to observe proceedings from an adjacent room.
Speaking ahead of his appearance, KTR defended his role in bringing the prestigious Formula E race to Hyderabad, emphasizing its significance in positioning the city as a hub for sustainable mobility and electric vehicle innovation under the Telangana Mobility Valley initiative.
“The intent was to enhance Hyderabad’s brand image globally and create employment opportunities in the EV sector. Small minds driven by petty politics may not understand, but I trust the people of Telangana will see the vision and truth,” KTR stated on X (formerly Twitter).
The ACB had summoned KTR after registering a case in December 2024 under the Prevention of Corruption Act and IPC sections related to criminal misappropriation, misconduct, and conspiracy. The alleged corruption involved unauthorized payments, primarily in foreign currency, amounting to ₹55 crore, causing a loss to the state exchequer during the previous BRS regime.
The case stems from payments made to organize the Formula E race in 2023. While a second race was planned for February 2024, it was cancelled after the Congress government assumed office in December 2023.
The controversy intensified when KTR initially refused to appear before ACB officials on January 6, citing denial of legal assistance. Following his departure from the ACB office, he submitted a written statement. The anti-graft agency subsequently issued a fresh notice, leading to his appearance on January 9.
In the ongoing investigation, senior IAS officer Arvind Kumar, another accused in the case, was also questioned by the ACB.
KTR remains firm that his actions were in pursuit of Telangana’s development, stating, “Truth always triumphs, and justice will prevail.”
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