Archive · 29 Sep 2026
ACB Seeks Passports in Telangana Formula E Case
Officials in Telangana are investigating money used for a Formula E race in Hyderabad.
They say about Rs 55 crore was transferred for the event in 2023.
Investigators allege that some required government approvals were missing.
The Anti-Corruption Bureau has asked a court about the passports of four accused people.
One other accused is a foreign citizen, so local officials cannot seize his passport.
The court request is still being considered, and Rama Rao’s lawyer says his passport has not been taken.
A chargesheet was filed in March 2026, naming K.T. Rama Rao as the main accused.
Rama Rao says the money was meant to promote Hyderabad and attract investment.
He denies corruption and says the case is political targeting.
The Telangana Anti-Corruption Bureau has asked a court to require K.T. Rama Rao and three co-accused to produce or surrender their passports.
The case concerns alleged irregularities involving about Rs 55 crore transferred for Hyderabad’s 2023 Formula E event.
The ACB alleges the payments were made without required cabinet, finance department, or Reserve Bank of India approvals.
A chargesheet filed in March 2026 names Rama Rao as the prime accused and includes allegations such as criminal misappropriation, breach of trust, and conspiracy.
Rama Rao denies wrongdoing, says the funds were intended to promote Hyderabad, and calls the case politically motivated.
- Who
- The Telangana Anti-Corruption Bureau is pursuing a case involving K.T. Rama Rao, Arvind Kumar, BLN Reddy, G.V.L.N. Kiran Malleswara Rao, and Formula E Operations representative Alberto Longo.
- What
- The ACB has sought a court direction concerning the passports of four accused in a case over alleged irregularities in transferring about Rs 55 crore for a Formula E event.
- When
- The race was held in February 2023; the case was registered in December 2024; the passport petition was filed on September 26; and a chargesheet was filed in March 2026.
- Where
- The proceedings are taking place before a court in Hyderabad, including the Nampally Special ACB Court, and concern a Formula E event held in Hyderabad.
- Why
- The ACB alleges that funds were transferred without required approvals and in violation of procedures, while Rama Rao says the transfer promoted Hyderabad and involved no corruption.
ACB’s Allegations
Rama Rao’s Response
Legality of the payments
ACB’s Allegations
The ACB alleges that about Rs 55 crore was transferred without mandatory cabinet, finance department, or Reserve Bank of India approvals and in violation of established procedures.
Rama Rao’s Response
Rama Rao denies wrongdoing and says the transfer to the race organisers involved no corruption.
Purpose of the funds
ACB’s Allegations
The agency is investigating alleged financial and procedural violations involving government money used for the Formula E event.
Rama Rao’s Response
Rama Rao says the transfer was intended to promote Hyderabad’s image and attract investment in the electric-vehicle sector.
Political context
ACB’s Allegations
The ACB is pursuing the case through court proceedings and has filed a chargesheet against the accused.
Rama Rao’s Response
Rama Rao calls the case malicious propaganda and alleges that the Congress government is targeting the Opposition and BRS leaders.
- Investigating agency
- Telangana Anti-Corruption Bureau
- Main accused
- K.T. Rama Rao, identified as A1 and named as the prime accused in the chargesheet
- Amount under investigation
- About Rs 55 crore
- Funding agency
- Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority
- Event
- Formula E race held in Hyderabad in February 2023
- Passport request
- The ACB seeks production or impoundment of the passports of four of the five accused; Rama Rao’s lawyer says his passport has not been impounded
- Case status
- The case was registered in December 2024, a chargesheet was filed in March 2026, and proceedings are continuing
