The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of Telangana is preparing to file a chargesheet this week in connection with the alleged irregularities in the Formula E car race held in Hyderabad.
The case, which has sparked significant political controversy in the state, reportedly names Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president and former minister K T Rama Rao (KTR) as the primary accused (A1). Senior IAS officer Arvind Kumar is expected to be listed as the second accused (A2).
According to official sources, the investigation has reached its final stage. The ACB had completed the chargesheet and was awaiting sanction from the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) to prosecute Arvind Kumar. The Centre has now granted the required permission, which has been conveyed to the state government and the ACB, clearing the way for the chargesheet to be filed in court.
Investigators claim to have collected substantial digital and electronic evidence to support allegations that the Formula E event caused a financial loss of ₹75.88 crore to the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA).
The race was conducted in February 2023 near Hussain Sagar and Lumbini Park during the previous BRS government. It was projected as a prestigious international sporting event aimed at enhancing Hyderabad’s global image and boosting tourism.
However, the project soon became mired in controversy. Opposition parties and civil society groups alleged financial irregularities in the tendering process and contractual agreements with private firms involved in track construction and event management.
One of the key allegations is that approximately ₹54 crore was released for the event without cabinet approval. The chargesheet is expected to allege misappropriation of funds, fraud, criminal conspiracy, and the granting of undue benefits to private entities.
The ACB had registered an FIR on December 18, 2024. Subsequently, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched a parallel investigation into alleged financial irregularities and money laundering aspects. Both agencies have questioned KTR, Arvind Kumar, and several others during the probe.
The ACB has also submitted its findings to the vigilance commission, while the ED continues its independent inquiry. With the filing of the chargesheet, the case is expected to enter a crucial legal phase in the coming days.
