Formula E Scam: Harish Rao Confident KTR Will Prove Innocence

Harish Rao Criticizes Telangana HC Verdict, Defends KTR in Formula E Scam Case 

Hyderabad: Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLA T. Harish Rao on Tuesday, January 7, criticized the Telangana High Court’s decision regarding the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) case against party working president K.T. Rama Rao (KTR). Speaking to the media at KTR’s residence, Harish Rao expressed confidence that KTR would emerge unscathed from the controversy.  

Highlighting KTR’s contributions, Harish Rao contrasted him with Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. He accused Revanth of past corruption, claiming the CM was caught "red-handed" with bundles of cash and sent to jail. In contrast, he praised KTR for elevating Hyderabad's global profile by hosting the prestigious Formula E race.  

Harish Rao alleged that CM Revanth was deliberately framing KTR in “illegal cases.” He clarified that the High Court’s verdict did not confirm any wrongdoing but only permitted an investigation. "Our legal team will review the judgment and decide on further action. KTR has done nothing wrong, and we are confident in facing the investigations," Harish Rao said.  

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned KTR for questioning in the Formula E race case on January 16.  

 Telangana High Court Dismisses KTR's Plea in Formula E Scam Case  

Earlier on Tuesday, the Telangana High Court dismissed KTR's petition to quash the ACB’s case against him in the alleged Formula E scam. The court also declined a request from KTR's lawyers to grant 10 days of protection from arrest. While reserving its decision on December 31, the court delivered its verdict on January 7, clearing the way for a formal investigation. However, the court had previously barred the ACB from arresting KTR during the hearing of the quash petition.  

Allegations Against KTR and Formula E Race Case  

During the hearing, Advocate General A. Sudershan Reddy, representing the state government, presented evidence alleging financial irregularities. He informed the court that Rs 46 crore, equivalent to British Pounds, was paid to Formula E Operations Limited (FEO) without proper authorization. He stated that the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) bypassed the Finance Department's approval for payments exceeding Rs 10 crore and made a total payment of Rs 54 crore.  

The court was told that Secretariat Business Rules were violated and that then-Minister KTR had signed the relevant note file.  

In defense, KTR’s counsel Siddhartha Dave argued that the sections cited by the ACB in the FIR were invalid. He stated that naming KTR as an accused was improper since the Municipal Administration Secretary had signed the agreement for the Formula E race.  

The case, involving high-profile allegations, is now set to proceed with further investigation, keeping KTR under scrutiny as legal proceedings unfold.