Formula E scam: KTR appears before ACB officials.
KTR Likely to Be Arrested Today in Formula E Scam Case, Say Local Reports
Hyderabad: In a major development related to the ongoing investigation into the alleged Formula E scam, local reports suggest that former Telangana Minister K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) is likely to be arrested today.
KTR, who appeared before the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) earlier today, was reportedly questioned for over five hours regarding his alleged role in the allocation of funds and approval processes linked to the international racing event. Sources close to the investigation say the ACB has gathered “substantial evidence” indicating possible misuse of public funds and bypassing of established protocols.
The ACB is also believed to be scrutinizing several documents related to contracts, tendering, and event management involving government departments and private firms. With mounting pressure and political ramifications, today’s developments could mark a significant turning point in the case.
KTR has so far denied any wrongdoing and has called the allegations “politically motivated.” However, if the reports prove accurate, his arrest could send shockwaves across the state’s political landscape.
Hyderabad, June 13: In a high-voltage political and legal development, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president and former Telangana minister K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) on Monday appeared before the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in connection with the alleged Formula E scam. The case, which involves financial irregularities in hosting the Formula E Season 10 race in Hyderabad, has drawn widespread media and public attention.
According to local reports, his arrest is likely to take place today, sparking intense speculation and political commentary. “By calling for an inquiry, they might derive some satisfaction and may even go ahead with an arrest,” he stated, suggesting that the move could be politically motivated.
The ACB’s inquiry reportedly focuses on whether standard procedures were followed in sanctioning the funds and who authorized the payment. A memo has already been issued to senior IAS officer Arvind Kumar, questioning the legality of the transaction and seeking clarity on the source of approval.
The Congress government, which came to power in Telangana after the BRS, has been sharply critical of the deal. It alleges that public money was diverted without accountability and that private entities benefitted at the cost of the state exchequer. The ruling party also raised concerns over the lack of action against Ace Nxt Gen, a subsidiary of Greenko, which had partnered for the event. The firm reportedly defaulted and pulled out, leading to the cancellation of the 2024 Hyderabad leg of the Formula E championship, initially scheduled for February.
Organisers of Formula E cited a “breach of contract” as the official reason for the cancellation, dealing a blow to Hyderabad’s aspirations to host global sporting events. The Congress government claimed that it was left to deal with the aftermath of the previous administration’s lapses. However, KTR has defended the event and the spending, stating that hosting such international events boosts the city’s global image and attracts investments.
He also accused the Congress of taking a regressive stand and failing to understand the economic and branding benefits of such initiatives. Instead of building on our progress, the Congress government is pulling the state backward,” KTR said last week, adding that Hyderabad had gained international recognition due to the race.
KTR’s legal team is reportedly preparing for all outcomes, including a possible arrest. While the BRS cadre maintains that the allegations are baseless and intended to tarnish the image of their leader, the ACB insists it is acting based on evidence and procedural lapses.
The case has taken a politically charged turn, with BRS leaders accusing the Congress government of vendetta politics, while the Congress maintains that it is a matter of accountability and transparency. The ACB, so far, has maintained a neutral stance and is tight-lipped about the course of action following KTR’s interrogation.
Political observers suggest that any arrest of KTR could dramatically alter the political landscape in Telangana, where BRS, once dominant, is now regrouping in opposition after the recent assembly elections. A high-profile arrest could either demoralize the BRS cadre or rally them around their leader, depending on how the narrative unfolds.
Meanwhile, pro-BRS protests have already started erupting in parts of Hyderabad, with party workers gathering outside the ACB office in support of KTR. Police forces have been deployed across key points in the city to prevent any law-and-order situation from escalating.
The next few hours will be crucial, as the ACB may decide on whether or not to formally arrest KTR. If arrested, it will mark a major milestone in the case and trigger a legal-political storm across Telangana and beyond.
For now, the spotlight remains firmly on the ACB office and KTR’s legal team, as Telangana watches closely how this unfolding saga impacts the future of one of the state’s most prominent political figures.