Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president and former Minister K.T. Rama Rao returned without appearing before Telangana Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) as police officials did not allow his advocate to accompany him, in Hyderabad on Monday (January 6, 2025).
| Photo Credit: RAMAKRISHNA G
Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K.T. Rama Rao returned without appearing before Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Monday (January 6, 2025) morning after he was stopped by police. Responding to the summons issued by ACB in connection with the alleged irregularities in the Formula-E race casehe reached the ACB office in Banjara Hills.
KTR’s office stated that he was stopped by police at the ACB office saying that advocates cannot accompany him. “You show me in writing that my advocates cannot accompany me, I shall ask them to stay back,” KTR was seen telling the police who stopped the vehicle outside the ACB headquarters. He returned after submitting a written response to the officials concerned.
The ACB filed a case against the former Minister KTR; former Special Chief Secretary to the Government (MA&UD) Aravind Kumar, and former Chief Engineer of HMDA B.L.N. Reddy, alleging irregularities of ₹54.88 crore in the Formula E deal. The ACB issued summons to KTR to appear before it.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) also summoned Mr. Rama Rao for questioning on January 7 regarding alleged money laundering linked to the case. Mr. Kumar and Mr. Reddy were asked to appear before the ED on January 8 and 9, respectively.
KTR’s written response
In his letter addressed to the ACB DSP Majid Khan, KTR highlighted that the matter is currently sub judice and reserved for judgement by the High Court of Telangana.
In the letter, he stated that the FIR against him, dated December 18, 2024, had been challenged before the High Court under Section 528 of BNSS 2023. He pointed out that the court had concluded hearings on December 31, 2024, and reserved its judgement. Given this, KTR requested the ACB to defer further proceedings until the court pronounces its decision.
The former Minister also noted that the notice issued to him by the ACB, dated January 2, 2025, instructed him to appear before the agency on January 6, 2025, to furnish documents and information related to the case. However, he emphasised that the notice lacked clarity regarding the specific documents and details required. He requested the agency to specify the information sought to enable him to comply within a reasonable time frame.
In his letter, KTR reiterated his willingness to cooperate with the investigation, stating, “Being a law-abiding citizen, I will cooperate in the matter subject to constitutional and legal rights as provided by law.”
Published – January 06, 2025 11:49 am IST
