ACB Set to File Chargesheet in Formula E Criminal Case Against Former Minister KTR
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) is preparing to file a formal chargesheet in the high-profile Formula E criminal case involving former Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MAUD) minister and BRS working president KT Rama Rao. According to official sources, the chargesheet is expected to be filed on or before Saturday, marking a significant development in a case that has been under investigation for over a year.
Prosecution Permission Granted Against Senior IAS Officer
The decision to proceed with the chargesheet follows the recent grant of prosecution permission by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) against senior IAS officer Arvind Kumar. Kumar is one of three accused individuals in this case, which centers on allegations of illegal fund transfers and procedural violations related to the Formula E racing event in Hyderabad.
Top ACB officials reportedly finalized their decision this week after obtaining necessary clearances from various authorities. The bureau is expected to level serious charges, including conspiracy for an alleged quid pro quo arrangement, against all accused parties.
Background of the Formula E Case
In December 2024, the ACB filed a criminal case against KT Rama Rao, former special chief secretary Arvind Kumar, and former Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) chief engineer BLN Reddy. The primary allegation involves the illegal transfer of approximately 55 crore rupees to UK-based Formula E Operations, allegedly in violation of established government procedures and protocols.
The bureau's investigation alleges that based on instructions from KTR, the other accused officials processed documentation to assume sponsorship responsibility for the second edition of the Formula E race in Hyderabad. This occurred after the original sponsor, Ace Nxt Gen, abruptly withdrew following their sponsorship of the first edition.
Election Commission Consent and Model Code of Conduct Violations
A critical aspect highlighted in the upcoming chargesheet concerns the timing of the sponsorship proposal. ACB officials are expected to emphasize that the decision to sponsor the second edition of the race was made without obtaining consent from the Election Commission of India (ECI). This occurred during a period when the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) was in effect for the 2023 Assembly elections, raising questions about procedural compliance and electoral regulations.
During questioning by investigators, KT Rama Rao reportedly stated that he signed the relevant file before the Model Code of Conduct came into force. However, officials allegedly took additional time to process the documentation before the funds were ultimately transferred, following various clearances.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
The ACB's decision to file the chargesheet comes after securing prosecution permissions against all three accused individuals from appropriate authorities. This legal step represents a formal accusation that will initiate judicial proceedings in the case, potentially leading to trial and further legal scrutiny of the alleged financial irregularities.
The Formula E case has drawn significant attention due to the prominent political figures involved and the substantial financial amounts under investigation. As the ACB prepares to submit its chargesheet, legal experts anticipate heightened scrutiny of government procedures related to event sponsorship and fund allocation during election periods.
