Formula-E case: KTR dares Revanth Reddy for live lie detector test
Criticises Telangana Chief Minister for using probe agencies as tools for political vendetta; says investigation into cases filed against him costing Rs 5 crore to Rs 10 crore
Hyderabad: In a bold counter to the ongoing allegations against him, BRS working president KT Rama Rao on Thursday challenged Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy to a live lie detector test before a judge to settle cases of corruption rather than wasting public money in investigations for political vendetta.
He said the investigation into the cases filed against him was costing Rs 5 crore to Rs 10 crore for investigation.
Addressing the media after a seven-hour marathon questioning by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the Formula-E case, Rama Rao criticised the Chief Minister for using investigative agencies as tools for political vendetta. He reiterated that the corruption cases against him were filed with malafide intentions and political vendetta. He said as Revanth Reddy faced ACB and ED cases, similar cases were filed against him as well.
“I have a Sankranti offer to Revanth Reddy. Let us undergo a lie detector test together and face questioning by judges in front of the media with live telecast. I am ready to appear anywhere, anytime. Let the truth come out,” he said, charging Revanth Reddy with orchestrating false cases to distract the public from his own legal troubles in the Cash-for-Vote scam and called on the Chief Minister to stop wasting public money on baseless investigations.
The BRS working president reaffirmed his cooperation with investigative agencies, stating that he had appeared before the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on January 9 and the ED on January 16, despite no evidence of wrongdoing or corruption. “Both agencies asked the same questions, and I have answered everything transparently,” he said, reiterating his confidence in the judiciary.
The ACB had asked about 80 questions, while the ED about 40, he said. Questioning the basis of the allegations, Rama Rao said, “Where is the case here? Every transaction has been transparent and accounted for. This cannot be classified as money laundering.”
He condemned the Chief Minister’s actions as politically motivated, aimed at maligning his reputation. He also asserted that as a law-abiding citizen, he had and would cooperate with the investigation agencies as well as utilise the legal avenues available to prove his innocence.
He vowed to face any inquiry and prove his innocence, asserting that the truth will triumph ultimately — if not today, then tomorrow. He urged the public to see through the political games being played at the expense of governance and accountability.
Earlier, Rama Rao left his Gachibowli residence at 10 am and arrived at the ED office in Basheerbagh under heavy police security. The ED had summoned him for questioning after the Telangana High Court dismissed a quash petition filed in the ACB case linked to the matter.
Initially scheduled to appear on January 7, Rama Rao sought an extension until the High Court’s decision, and the ED subsequently summoned him on January 16.
Tensions ran high outside the ED office as a large number of BRS leaders and activists gathered in solidarity. They raised slogans against the government for indulging in political vendetta. A scuffle broke out between the party activists and police.
BRS spokesperson Manne Krishank was prevented from speaking to the media and detained. Several other BRS leaders, including Batthini Keerthi Latha and Pavani Goud, were also arrested.
Police maintained a strong presence at the ED office. Earlier, several BRS leaders, including BRS Vidyarthi (student) wing president Gellu Srinivas Yadav, were placed under house arrest.
Meanwhile, Rama Rao submited two key documents to the ED — a report prepared by Nielsen on the Formula-E race, which highlighted the $82-million economic benefit to Telangana and a copy of the Telangana Electric Vehicle Policy-2020, showcasing the State’s grand vision of promoting EV manufacturing and establishing the Telangana Mobility Valley.
During questioning, he explained that the Formula-E race was organised as part of a long-term agenda to attract investments in the EV sector and position Telangana as a mobility hub. Highlighting the event’s national importance, he noted that Union Ministers Hardeep Singh Puri, Nitin Gadkari, Anurag Thakur and G Kishan Reddy attended the race, adding credibility to its execution and benefits.
The former Minister also clarified that the funds were transferred directly from the State government to the Formula-E organisers without any middlemen or financial misappropriation. “The records clearly show that all transactions were transparent. There is no scope for corruption in this case,” he asserted.
During the inquiry, the ED officials also sought details of Rama Rao’s personal bank accounts and assets, to which he assured full compliance.
