In a significant development in Telangana’s high-profile Formula E race case, an Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) court has issued summons to former Telangana minister K. T. Rama Rao, senior IAS officer Arvind Kumar, and former Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) Chief Engineer B. L. N. Reddy.
The court has directed all accused to appear on July 31, 2026, in connection with alleged irregularities involving the transfer of approximately ₹55 crore to a foreign company for conducting the 2023 Formula E race in Hyderabad.
Chargesheet Formally Accepted for Trial
The ACB court has formally taken cognizance of the chargesheet recently filed by the Telangana Anti-Corruption Bureau, paving the way for trial proceedings in the case.
According to sources, the chargesheet lists the accused as:
- A1: K. T. Rama Rao (KTR)
- A2: Arvind Kumar, IAS
- A3: B. L. N. Reddy
- A4: Kiran Malleswara Rao
- A5: Formula E Operations (FEO)
Alleged Irregularities in ₹55 Crore Transfer
The controversy centers around the transfer of nearly ₹55 crore from HMDA accounts to Formula E Operations, the foreign-based company responsible for organizing the Formula E event.
Investigators allege that the funds were released without obtaining mandatory government approvals and in violation of established financial procedures.
The Formula E race held in Hyderabad in 2023 was promoted as a major international sporting event intended to enhance the city’s global profile and attract investment. However, questions later emerged regarding contractual arrangements, expenditure approvals, and fund transfers.
ACB Investigation and Questioning
As part of the investigation, ACB officials questioned KTR, Arvind Kumar, B. L. N. Reddy, and representatives of Formula E Operations.
Based on the evidence collected during the inquiry, the agency filed its chargesheet before the court, which has now admitted the case for trial.
Case Draws Significant Attention in Telangana
The case has attracted considerable political and administrative attention, as it involves a former cabinet minister and a senior IAS officer associated with one of Hyderabad’s most high-profile international events.
The upcoming court appearance on July 31 is expected to mark the next major step in the legal proceedings.
