BRS Leader KT Rama Rao Appears Before ED In Formula-E Race 'Money Laundering' Case

The ED is investigating alleged irregularities in payments made for the Formula-E race, which was proposed to be held in Hyderabad in 2024.

However, KTR had dismissed the allegations as baseless and politically motivated.

Source : PTI

Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President and Telangana Minister KT Rama Rao (KTR) appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday for questioning in connection with a money laundering case related to the Formula-E race event held in Hyderabad.

KTR, who served as the Municipal Administration Minister during the previous BRS regime, defended the event, describing it as one of his most significant achievements as a minister. 

The ED is investigating alleged irregularities in payments made for the Formula-E race, which was proposed to be held in Hyderabad in 2024. KTR dismissed the allegations as baseless and politically motivated. "It is a frivolous case. I will come as many times as they want me to. I will answer satisfactorily. Every rupee has been accounted for. I wonder where corruption is, where fraud is, where money laundering is? I will ask them the same question," said KTR.

Hosting Formula E in India/Telangana/Hyderabad remains one of my most cherished decisions as a Minister. The pride I felt, witnessing international racers & E-Mobility industry leaders praise our city, is memorable

No amount of frivolous cases, cheap mudslinging, or political…

— KTR (@KTRBRS) January 16, 2025

Ahead of his appearance before the ED, Rao in a post on 'X' said: "no amount of frivolous cases, cheap mudslinging, or political witch-hunting can erase that sense of accomplishment." 

Initially summoned on January 7, KTR sought a two-week extension and was subsequently asked to appear on January 16. He arrived at the ED office at 10:30 am amid tight security arrangements.

Large numbers of BRS leaders and supporters gathered near the ED office in a show of solidarity, but police later dispersed them.

The ED has already questioned senior IAS officer Arvind Kumar and former HMDA chief engineer BLN Reddy regarding the case.

KTR reiterated his confidence in the legitimacy of the event and his administration's transparency. "I will continue to cooperate with the investigation as many times as needed to prove that these allegations are baseless," he said.