The Formula E case in Telangana has taken a fresh turn. The Central government has reportedly granted sanction to the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) to prosecute senior IAS officer Arvind Kumar. The move comes amid an ongoing investigation into alleged financial irregularities linked to the international racing event held in Hyderabad.
CENTRE CLEARS PROSECUTION
Telangana Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao had written to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) in December last year seeking approval to prosecute Arvind Kumar.
The ACB had earlier submitted its prosecution report on September 9. It named Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K.T. Rama Rao as the prime accused. Arvind Kumar was listed as accused number two. Former Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) chief engineer B.L.N. Reddy was also named.
In November, Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Verma granted permission to file a charge sheet against KTR.
ALLEGATIONS IN THE FORMULA E CASE
The controversy surfaced after the Congress party came to power in Telangana. The new government alleged that the previous BRS regime spent Rs 54 crore, including Rs 8 crore in taxes, without cabinet approval.
A memo was issued questioning Arvind Kumar’s role in authorising the transaction. At the time, he was serving as Special Chief Secretary in the Municipal Administration Department, which was headed by KTR.
PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION
The first Formula E race was held on February 11, 2023, near Hussain Sagar. After its success, an agreement was signed with Formula E Operations for a second race scheduled for February 10, 2024.
HMDA paid around Rs 55 crore to the company. However, in January 2024, Formula E Operations withdrew from hosting the event, citing non-compliance with agreement terms.
The matter is now under legal scrutiny, with further proceedings expected.
