Hyderabad: The Formula E race case is back in the spotlight. The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) sent a notice on Monday to BRS working president KT Rama Rao, asking him to appear before them on Wednesday.
In response, the BRS leader used his X handle to express his willingness to cooperate with the ACB. He stated, “I received a notice to attend an inquiry on May 28 for the Formula E case. As a law-abiding citizen, I will cooperate, despite believing this is political harassment. I had already planned trips to the UK and USA for various events. I will meet the agency once I return.” He also noted his written communication to ACB officials and commented on Revanth Reddy‘s political motives.
Meanwhile, the ACB gathered evidence suggesting the misuse of funds from the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) for the race. KT Rama Rao, a former Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister, along with former secretary Arvind Kumar and ex-HMDA chief engineer BLN Reddy, are accused of releasing Rs 55 crore to the e-car racing company without the necessary government approval.
Sources revealed to Hans India that the agency identified KTR’s and the officials’ roles in making this large payment without proper procedures. The ACB collected statements and documents from the Formula E racing company, vital to the case. Officials noted that clean energy firm Greenko spent Rs 150 crore and Hyderabad Racing Limited Rs 30 crore for the first race in February 2023. Additionally, HMDA invested Rs 20 crore in road track and infrastructure development. An agreement was signed by MA and UD officials with the Formula-E Operator (FEO) in October 2023 to hold another race on February 10, 2024. For this event, HMDA paid Rs 55 crore to the FEO.
