metro india news  I hyderabad

In a major development in the ongoing Formula E race investigation, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) appeared before the Telangana Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) for the second round of questioning. The interrogation lasted nearly eight hours at the ACB office in Banjara Hills.

"Maybe they will arrest me. But, one thing is sure. We had gone to jail earlier for the sake of Telangana (statehood). We are ready to go to jail again over a decision taken to promote Hyderabad's brand image. Ready to go to jail even 100 times. But, we will not spare the Congress government (on its poll promises)," he said.

Sources revealed that the ACB attempted to seize KTR’s mobile phone during the session, but he informed officials he had not brought it. The agency directed him to submit the phone used between 2021 and 2024 by June 18, suspecting key information could be stored on it. The investigation revolves around alleged irregularities in fund transfers related to the Hyderabad Formula E race held in February 2023.

KTR was questioned based on statements from former officials, including Arvind Kumar and HMDA Engineer B.L.N. Reddy, particularly regarding fund diversion from HMDA to Formula E Operations without Cabinet approval. KTR clarified that payments were made following sponsor withdrawals and were handled by officials to uphold Hyderabad’s global reputation.

Addressing the media at Telangana Bhavan after the questioning, KTR called the allegations baseless and politically motivated. “This is nothing but an attempt to defame me and divert attention from the Congress government’s failures,” he said. He reiterated his readiness to cooperate with the investigation, saying, “Even if they summon me 30 times, I will appear.”

Slamming Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, KTR accused him of evading a public debate on the issue and using state institutions for political vendetta. “Revanth wants to parade BRS leaders before commissions and jails while running away from his promises,” KTR charged.

He asserted that the Formula E race was a policy decision taken to enhance Telangana’s global profile. “There was no scam. Jail is not new for us—we went during the Telangana movement and we will go again if needed,” he stated.

KTR also criticized the Congress government for backtracking on its key promises, including BC reservations, Rythu Bharosa support, job creation, and monthly aid to women, warning that the people of Telangana will soon hold them accountable.