Why Has ACB Summoned KTR for the Formula E Case on June 16?
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Synopsis
The ACB's summons of K.T. Rama Rao for the Formula E case raises critical questions about political motivations and accountability. Join us as we explore the implications, the allegations of corruption, and KTR's defense against what he claims is political harassment.
Key Takeaways
- K.T. Rama Rao summoned for questioning on June 16.
- Allegations of Rs. 54.88 crore irregularities in the Formula E deal.
- Previous summons on May 28 were postponed due to international travel.
- Claims of political harassment made by KTR.
- FIR registered under Prevention of Corruption Act and IPC sections.
Hyderabad, June 13 (NationPress) The Telangana Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has officially summoned K.T. Rama Rao, the Working President of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and former minister, for interrogation regarding the Formula E case scheduled for June 16.
The ACB has issued a notice directing Rama Rao to be present at 10 a.m. on Monday.
Previously, the ACB had requested his appearance on May 28, but the BRS leader communicated that he would return from an overseas trip before complying.
He stated, “As a law-abiding citizen, I will certainly cooperate with the authorities despite viewing this case as mere political harassment. I had prior commitments to travel to the UK and USA for various events and will appear before them upon my return. I have conveyed this to ACB officials in writing,” he remarked in a statement dated May 26.
KTR, as he is commonly known, returned from the US in the first week of this month.
In a related matter, the former minister had appeared before the ACB on January 9 concerning the Formula E race held in Hyderabad in January 2023, during the tenure of the BRS.
The ACB had filed a case against KTR, former Special Chief Secretary of Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD) Arvind Kumar, and the former Chief Engineer of the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA), B.L.N. Reddy, for alleged irregularities amounting to Rs. 54.88 crore in the Formula E deal.
The FIR was lodged based on a complaint from the Principal Secretary of MA&UD, M. Dana Kishore, who claimed that foreign remittances were processed without the necessary approvals from regulatory bodies, resulting in an additional tax burden of Rs. 8.06 crore for HMDA.
Moreover, the complainant alleged that payments were made while the Model Code of Conduct was active for the state Legislative Assembly elections, lacking prior approval from the Election Commission of India.
This FIR was registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act and various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including 409 (criminal breach of trust) and 120B (criminal conspiracy).
Point of View
This case exemplifies the intersection of politics and accountability. While K.T. Rama Rao asserts his innocence and portrays the investigation as politically motivated, the actions of the ACB reflect a commitment to uphold integrity in governance. An unbiased examination reveals the complexities involved in navigating allegations of corruption within the political landscape.
NationPress
14/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Formula E case about?
The Formula E case involves allegations of irregularities totaling Rs. 54.88 crore related to the conduct of the Formula E race in Hyderabad, including financial mismanagement and violations of electoral regulations.
Who has been summoned by the ACB?
The ACB has summoned K.T. Rama Rao, along with other officials, for questioning regarding the alleged irregularities in the Formula E deal.
What are the implications of this case?
This case could have significant political ramifications, potentially impacting the BRS's credibility and governance if corruption is proven.
When is KTR expected to appear before the ACB?
K.T. Rama Rao is scheduled to appear before the ACB on June 16 at 10 a.m.
What defense has KTR presented?
KTR maintains that he will cooperate with the ACB, viewing the case as politically motivated harassment due to his prior commitments abroad.
