2 hrs ago
ACB Seeks Passports’ Impoundment in Formula E Case
The Telangana Anti-Corruption Bureau is investigating money transfers connected to a Formula E race in Hyderabad.
The race took place in 2023.
Investigators say about Rs 55 crore was transferred from a government development authority.
They allege that required government approvals were missing.
The agency has asked a court to impound the passports of four accused people.
A fifth accused is a foreign national, so local authorities cannot impound his passport.
K.T. Rama Rao is named as the main accused in a chargesheet filed in March 2026.
He says he did nothing wrong and that the case is political targeting.
The Telangana Anti-Corruption Bureau asked a court to impound the passports of K.T. Rama Rao and three other accused.
The case concerns the alleged transfer of about Rs 55 crore from the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority for a 2023 Formula E event.
The ACB alleges the funds were released without mandatory state cabinet, finance department, or Reserve Bank of India approvals.
A chargesheet filed in March 2026 names Rama Rao as the prime accused; proceedings are continuing in court.
Rama Rao denies wrongdoing, says he will cooperate, and calls the case politically motivated propaganda.
- Who
- The Telangana Anti-Corruption Bureau, K.T. Rama Rao, Arvind Kumar, BLN Reddy, G.V.L.N. Kiran Malleswara Rao, and Formula E Operations representative Alberto Longo are named in connection with the case.
- What
- The ACB is seeking passport impoundment for four accused in a case involving alleged irregularities in transferring about Rs 55 crore for a Formula E event.
- Where
- The proceedings are before the Nampally Special ACB Court in Telangana and concern an event held in Hyderabad.
- When
- The event was held in 2023; the case was registered on December 19, 2024; a chargesheet was filed in March 2026; and the next listed hearing is October 30.
- Why
- The ACB alleges that government funds were released without required approvals, while Rama Rao says the case is politically motivated and that the race was intended to promote Hyderabad and attract electric-vehicle investment.
ACB’s Allegations
KTR’s Response
Legality of fund transfer
ACB’s Allegations
The ACB alleges that about Rs 55 crore was transferred without mandatory state cabinet, finance department, or Reserve Bank of India approvals.
KTR’s Response
Rama Rao denies wrongdoing and says he will cooperate with the judicial process.
Purpose of the case
ACB’s Allegations
The ACB is pursuing alleged financial and procedural violations involving government funds and the Formula E event.
KTR’s Response
Rama Rao calls the case malicious propaganda and alleges that the Congress government is targeting the Opposition and Bharat Rashtra Samithi leaders.
Purpose of the race
ACB’s Allegations
The agency is investigating how funds connected to the event were handled.
KTR’s Response
Rama Rao says the race was intended to enhance Hyderabad’s profile and attract investment in the electric-vehicle sector.
Key facts
- Investigating agency
- Telangana Anti-Corruption Bureau
- Main accused
- K.T. Rama Rao
- Other accused named
- Arvind Kumar, BLN Reddy, G.V.L.N. Kiran Malleswara Rao, and Alberto Longo
- Amount involved
- About Rs 55 crore
- Funding agency
- Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority
- Event
- Formula E event held in Hyderabad in 2023
- Passport request
- The ACB seeks to impound the passports of four of the five accused
- Next hearing
- October 30 at the Nampally Special ACB Court
Quotes
KT Rama Rao
BRS working president and accused in the Formula E case
“For the last three years, ever since the Congress government came to power, its entire focus has been on targeting the Opposition”
NDTV
Sources
Related news
KTR Appears Before Nampally Court in Formula E Case
KTR Calls Formula E Case Diversion Tactic, Vows Cooperation
Telangana BRS-Congress Tensions Rise After Social Media Arrest
Kerala Probe Widens Over Failed Messi Event in Kochi
Report Alleges Financial Fraud in Aborted Messi Visit
Kerala Police Raid Reporter TV Over Alleged Messi Event Fraud
Mahindra Racing seals double podium, third in Formula E championship
Formula E eager to return to India, needs host city
