After eight-hour grilling, ACB seeks to question KTR for fourth time

This is the third time he was questioned over the last six months in connection with the Formula-E race case; hosting the event was a policy decision to enhance Hyderabad's global image, says the BRS leader

Hyderabad: After eight hours of questioning on Monday, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) informed BRS working president KT Rama Rao that he may be summoned for a fourth round of questioning, ‘if required’, in connection with the Formula-E race case. This was the third time he was questioned over the last six months.

Earlier in the day, Rama Rao met BRS president K Chandrashekhar Rao at his residence in Nandi Nagar before heading to Telangana Bhavan. After interacting with party leaders, he reached the ACB office in Banjara Hills, accompanied by former Additional Advocate General Ramachandra Rao. He was questioned for eight hours before being allowed to leave. He returned to Telangana Bhavan, where he was given a rousing welcome by party leaders and activists.

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Speaking to the media, the former Minister said officials kept repeating the same questions. “I categorically informed them there were no irregularities. Hosting the Formula-E race was a policy decision to enhance Hyderabad’s global image and attract investments. The funds remain in the organisers’ bank account, but the government has been unable to recover it,” he asserted.

Earlier, amid heavy police deployment, prohibitory orders under Section 144 were imposed near Telangana Bhavan, turning the area into a virtual fortress. Anticipating protests by BRS workers, police sealed entry points and locked the Telangana Bhavan gates for a short period, despite objections from party leaders. A few BRS leaders were detained following heated arguments. Commercial establishments, including the popular Café Niloufer, were also ordered to pull their shutters down even when there were customers inside.

Barricades were placed up to 300 metres from the ACB office, restricting public and media access. Later, journalists were allowed to report from within 100 metres. Only Rama Rao’s vehicle was permitted entry into the ACB office premises. The police cited precautionary measures, citing the massive rally during the BRS working president’s previous appearance before the ACB authorities. Even as rumours of an arrest spread, nothing of that sort happened.

Senior leaders including T Harish Rao remained stationed at Telangana Bhavan and boosted the morale of the party cadre, coordinating with the leaders on the ground throughout the day.