‘My home may be raided,’ says BRS leader KTR in Formula Race probe

KT Rama Rao (KTR), the working president of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), is scheduled to appear before the Telangana Police Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Monday. This comes amid claims from KTR that there has been an “attempt to plant evidence” at his residence.

In a statement reported by NDTV, KTR expressed concerns, saying, “My home may be raided; there is an attempt to plant evidence.” He appealed to the ACB to uphold the High Court’s judgment, asserting, “I am here as a law-abiding citizen respecting the High Court, respecting the Anti-Corruption Bureau’s direction to appear before them. I’m here, but they’re not allowing my advocates, they’re not allowing me to have my own rights.”

Emphasizing his position, KTR stated, “I’m a law-abiding citizen. I worked as a lawmaker, I am still a lawmaker. Therefore, all I am asking the ACB is to ensure that my rights are protected as an individual. As a citizen, I am entitled to my lawyers being present with me. But unfortunately, they seem to have a different opinion.”

The case against KTR arises from allegations of unauthorized payments related to the Formula E race conducted during the previous administration. The Telangana ACB registered the case last month, citing alleged payments, some in foreign currency, which lacked necessary approvals.

Recently, the Telangana High Court granted KTR protection against arrest until a decision is made on a petition seeking to quash the FIR registered against him by the ACB.

As the former Municipal Administration Minister, KTR was also summoned by the Enforcement Directorate for questioning regarding irregularities linked to the Hyderabad race.

The allegations include violations of the Prevention of Corruption Act, as well as charges of criminal misappropriation, misconduct, breach of trust, and conspiracy, allegedly costing the government approximately ₹55 crore.