Thu Jan 09 09:46:33 UTC 2025: ## Telangana Minister KTR Faces ACB Questioning in Formula E Race Case
HYDERABAD, INDIA – Telangana’s working president and former minister, K.T. Rama Rao (KTR), appeared before the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) today for questioning in a case related to alleged unauthorized payments made for the now-cancelled Formula E race. The race, originally scheduled for February 2024, was ultimately called off following a change in state government last December.
KTR, the prime accused, maintains his innocence, stating that all actions taken were to enhance Hyderabad’s image and promote sustainable mobility through the development of Telangana Mobility Valley (TMV). He appeared before the ACB with his lawyer, who was permitted to observe the questioning from an adjacent room, though not participate directly. The ACB did not allow CCTV recording of the interrogation.
The case alleges approximately ₹55 crore (approximately $6.7 million USD) in unauthorized payments, some in foreign currency, related to the race’s organization. A senior IAS officer, Arvind Kumar, also implicated in the case, appeared before the ACB yesterday.
Prior to his questioning, KTR defiantly asserted his innocence, stating, “I have the answers to all questions. Whatever I did was to enhance the brand image of Hyderabad.” He further emphasized his commitment to the state, adding, “As the son of Telangana’s former chief minister, I will die for Telangana if needed but won’t bow in front of such people.”
The ACB registered the case last month against KTR and two others, focusing on alleged irregularities in the funding of the event. Dramatic scenes unfolded earlier this week when KTR initially refused to be questioned without his lawyer present, leading to a fresh summons and a court order modifying the conditions of questioning.
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