Telangana Governor Greenlights Probe into KTR Over Rs 55 Crore Formula E Race Scam
Telangana Governor clears ACB probe into KTR over Rs 54.88 crore Formula E scam.
In a significant development, Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma has approved an inquiry into Senior Bharat Rashtra Samithi leader KT Rama Rao, popularly known as KTR, in connection with an alleged Rs 54.88 crore scam linked to the 2023 Formula E race hosted in Hyderabad. This clearance allows the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) to step up its probe into the financial irregularities related to the event.
KTR, who was the Minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development at the time, faces accusations of misusing government funds and bypassing mandatory approvals for financial transactions. The case, which has been under investigation since last year, revolves around allegations that funds were irregularly transferred from the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) to Formula E Operations (FEO) without proper sanction from the finance department or clearance from the Election Commission during the model code of conduct period for the 2023 Assembly elections.
The ACB had earlier questioned KTR for nearly eight hours and sought his mobile phone and electronic devices, which he refused citing constitutional rights. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is also conducting a parallel investigation into foreign remittances involved in the case. The probe has implicated senior IAS officers along with KTR, reflecting the seriousness and scale of the alleged irregularities.
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Following the Governor’s sanction, the ACB is expected to accelerate its summons and interrogations, with the possibility of filing a chargesheet soon. The inquiry has stirred political tensions in Telangana, with the ruling Congress party pressing for accountability, while Patel has denied wrongdoing, asserting that the Formula E race boosted the state’s image on the global stage.
This investigation highlights ongoing scrutiny of high-profile political figures and emphasizes the demand for transparency in handling public funds, particularly in large-scale events like the Formula E race intended to promote urban development and international recognition for Hyderabad.
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