Hyderabad Formula-E Race Investigation: Ex-HMDA Officer Requests Extension for ED Appearance
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Hyderabad, Jan 2 (NationPress) The former chief engineer of the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA), N.L.N. Reddy, did not attend his scheduled appearance before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday concerning the Formula-E race investigation.
He informed the ED that he was unable to attend for questioning that day and requested an extension.
The central agency is expected to issue a new notice.
Senior IAS official Arvind Kumar is anticipated to meet with the agency on Friday (January 3).
The ED has summoned BRS working president and former minister K. T. Rama Rao (KTR), the primary suspect in this case, to appear on January 7.
The ED is probing the matter under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), initiated by an FIR filed by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB).
On December 30, the Enforcement Directorate filed an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) under the PMLA against KTR, Arvind Kumar, and B.L.N. Reddy.
The agency has also started a parallel investigation under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) to identify any potential infringements.
The ACB initiated action on December 29 against KTR and others for alleged misconduct in organizing the Formula E-car race last year.
The FIR was lodged under various provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act regarding claims of financial misconduct during the Formula-E race when the BRS was in power.
This FIR was filed following a complaint by M. Dana Kishore, Principal Secretary of Municipal Administration and Urban Development, after receiving approval from Governor Jishnu Dev Varma at the request of the state government.
The FIR was logged under Sections 13(1)(A) and 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, along with Sections 409 and 120(B) of the Indian Penal Code.
The complainant alleged that over Rs 54.88 crore was paid to UK-based Formula-E Operations Limited (FEO) and others, in clear breach of established protocols.
According to the original agreement, the government's responsibilities were confined to providing infrastructure and civic amenities for the race.
However, allegations suggest that the HMDA disbursed funds despite not being a direct participant in the contract.
