Hans News Service Hyderabad

BRS working president KT Rama Rao appeared before the Special ACB Court at Nampally on July 31 in connection with the ongoing probe into alleged irregularities in the Formula E race.

Before leaving to attend the funeral of senior BRS leader Peddi Sudarshan Reddy, KT Rama Rao attended the court hearing. Advocates representing the BRS working president reiterated that the Formula E case is politically motivated and completely bogus, emphasizing that funds were transferred strictly to promote Hyderabad’s global image and urban development.

Defense counsel argued that no misappropriation of funds occurred as alleged by the government. The money was transferred from HMDA accounts directly to the company CEO, remaining intact in the account without recovery by the government.

Advocates stated that government claims regarding transfers made without cabinet approval, financial irregularities, or misappropriation are entirely false and stem from political vendetta, noting no evidence links KTR directly. Defense lawyers criticized the prosecution for failing to issue a charge sheet even after three years, alleging that the government prolongs the case and fabricates new charges whenever facing political opposition.

Alongside the BRS working president, senior officials including IAS officer Arvind Kumar and former chief engineer BLN Reddy appeared before the ACB court. ACB officials stated in their charge sheet that the car race caused a financial loss of Rs 54.88 crore to HMDA.

Investigating authorities named KTR, Arvind Kumar, BLN Reddy, and the FEO Company as key accused in the case. The court formally took cognisance of the matter following the filing of the charge sheet, paving the way for trial proceedings to commence. The ACB court subsequently adjourned the hearing to August 25 while ordering KTR to furnish a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh along with two sureties.