KTR calls Formula-E case ‘Bogus’, challenges CM Revanath for lie detector test
Hyderabad: Following the ACB seeking permission to prosecute Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President KT Rama Rao, he reiterated that the Formula E case was nothing but a “bogus case” on Tuesday.
Throwing an open challenge, he said he was ready to stay back and undergo a lie detector test if anyone wished. KTR said he had made every effort to bring the Formula-E race to Hyderabad. He admitted that it was he who had directed the release of Rs 46 crore from the government, but clarified that the funds had been deposited directly into the designated account. “Not a single rupee has been misused. Every rupee is accounted for. Where then is the corruption?” he questioned. He asserted that even if prosecution proceeded or charge sheets were filed, nothing would stand.
Reiterating his focus, KTR said BRS would continue to fight on the promises and guarantees given by the Congress party. He even challenged Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to appear with him on live television and face a lie detector test. “Let the people decide who is telling the truth,” he said, while reminding him that the public had not forgotten the episode when Revanth Reddy was once caught on camera with bundles of ₹50 lakh currency notes.
Accusing the government of trying to divert attention from real public issues by raking up the Formula E case, KTR asserted that BRS would not be distracted. “We will continue to question the government on people’s issues,” he declared.
The ACB report includes the names of KT Rama Rao (KTR), former Minister and BRS working president, Arvind Kumar IAS, former Chief Secretary; BLN Reddy, senior official, and Kiran Rao, Formula-E CEO. The ACB has sought the Governor’s permission to prosecute the accused, as required for public servants. Once granted, the agency is prepared to immediately file a charge sheet.
On 19 December 2024, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) registered a First Information Report (FIR) against K.T. Rama Rao (KTR), former Minister and working president of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), for alleged financial irregularities during the Formula E race in Hyderabad in February 2023. KTR is the prime accused in the FIR. The case also implicates former Municipal Administration Department Special Chief Secretary Arvind Kumar and HMDA Chief Engineer B.L.N. Reddy as other accused. ACB booked a case under section 13 (1) (a) r/w 13 (2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 (as amended in 2018) and Sec. 409 r/w 120-B IPC, and took up the investigation.
Going further into the case beginnings, during the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) rule, the Telangana government signed a tripartite agreement on November 25, 2022, between Formula E Operations Limited (F.E.O.), the MA&UD Department, and Ace Nxt Gen Private Limited for conducting Formula E races for Seasons 9-12 in Hyderabad. Under this agreement, the role of the government was limited to the extent of building the track for the event and providing other civic amenities.
On February 11, 2023, the first event cost HMDA Rs 12 crore. The sponsor paid fees and other payments. Later, differences emerged between FEO and the sponsor, leading to the latter’s withdrawal from Season 10. By May 2023, payments were overdue.
