Telangana Govt moves forward with investigation into KTR’s role in Formula E-Car Race case

Hyderabad: The Telangana government has decided to move ahead with the investigation into former minister K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) in the Formula E-Car race case. The Governor has given permission to interrogate KTR, and the matter has been handed over to the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), which is expected to issue notices to KTR in the coming days.
The decision followed a lengthy cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on Monday, which lasted from 1:10 p.m. to 8 p.m. after the assembly session was adjourned. The Chief Minister informed the ministers that the Governor had authorized the investigation and that the ACB had already registered a corruption case. He then sought the views of his cabinet colleagues on whether to proceed with the investigation.
A majority of ministers agreed that the inquiry should move forward without delay. As a result, it was decided that the documents from the Governor would be sent to the Chief Secretary on Monday night, allowing the ACB to begin the investigation. The Chief Minister assured that the ACB probe would continue according to the law, and KTR would be served a notice in the next day or two.
According to Andhra Jyothi reports, sources suggest that KTR could be arrested following the notice. The cabinet also discussed the financial aspects of the case, with reports indicating that huge amounts of money had been transferred abroad in relation to the Formula E-Car race. The ACB’s investigation will focus on tracing these funds and determining whether the Reserve Bank of India had approved the foreign transactions.
Along with the Formula E-Car race issue, the cabinet also reviewed the report of the Justice Lokur Commission on power purchases made during the BRS regime. The Chief Minister briefed ministers on the findings and suggested that the report be tabled in the Assembly for further discussion. The cabinet also agreed to introduce the ROR Bill during the ongoing assembly session, though it did not approve the draft bill on Monday. A follow-up meeting will be held for further deliberation.
Additionally, the cabinet approved five ordinances, including an amendment to the Panchayati Raj Act. The change allows candidates contesting local body elections to have three to five children, replacing the previous two-child limit. A bill to this effect was also approved. The cabinet also discussed the Rythu Bharosa scheme and Rs. 12,000 assistance for farm labourers.
Ponguleti questions KTR’s Delhi trip, suggests fear of arrest
Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy confirmed that the cabinet had decided to proceed with the investigation in the Formula E-Car race case. He added that the ACB would investigate the total investment, which could range from Rs. 50 crores to Rs. 700 crores.
Speaking to the media after the cabinet meeting, Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy accused the BRS government of corruption in connection with the Formula E-Car race. He questioned KTR’s recent trip to Delhi, suggesting that KTR was fearing arrest and had sought help from various sources. Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy also claimed that KTR was now guarding his home in anticipation of his arrest.
Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy said that if KTR were arrested, it could lead to unrest in the state. However, he reiterated that the government’s actions were not politically motivated, and the investigation was focused on addressing corruption and irregularities during the previous BRS government. Ponguleti also criticised the behaviour of BRS MLAs in the Assembly, calling their actions disruptive and unproductive.