Telangana ACB to Take Action Against KTR in Formula E Investigation
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Hyderabad, Dec 16 (NationPress) Following the approval from Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) is poised to take action against Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president and former minister K. T. Rama Rao regarding the Formula E race investigation.
The issue was deliberated during a State Cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Monday.
Minister for Information and Public Relations Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy disclosed that the Governor has authorized the ACB to proceed legally against KTR.
The Chief Secretary is expected to send the signed file to the ACB either tonight or by Tuesday, as per the minister's statement.
Srinivas Reddy remarked to the press that he would refrain from commenting on KTR’s possible arrest, asserting that the law would follow its due course.
Last month, the Congress government had sought the Governor’s consent for the ACB to file a case against KTR for purported misuse of authority and misallocation of funds related to the Formula E race.
Allegations suggest that during his tenure as minister for industry, KTR approved funds for the race while circumventing established protocols.
With the Governor's approval under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, the ACB is anticipated to open a case against KTR, issuing notices and conducting raids on individuals and officials associated with the alleged scandal.
Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka stated in January that the Formula E race hosted last year by the preceding government was intended to benefit a specific company, with no advantages accruing to Hyderabad or Telangana.
The previous administration had agreed to pay Rs. 110 crores to the company, of which Rs. 55 crores had already been disbursed, with the remaining amount scheduled to be paid in two installments.
Formula E has canceled the second race (Season 10) initially set for Hyderabad on February 10, 2024.
This cancellation follows a decision by the Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department (MAUD) of the Telangana government not to honor the Host City Agreement signed on October 30, 2023.
Formula E Operations (FEO) stated it was left with no alternative but to formally notify MAUD for breach of contract.
The Congress government has issued a notice to senior IAS officer Arvind Kumar regarding 'serious violations' pertaining to the agreement.
The official was requested to clarify why a considerable financial outlay of Rs. 46 crores plus Rs. 9 crores in tax was disbursed from the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) resources prior to the signing of the agreement.
Last month, KTR defended the previous government's initiative to host the Formula E race in Hyderabad, asserting his willingness to face imprisonment if necessary.
Rejecting the allegations of corruption, KTR emphasized his efforts to enhance Hyderabad’s international profile, particularly through the Formula E event.
