Telangana Governor Clears Way for KTR's Prosecution in Formula E Scandal

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Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma has granted permission for the prosecution of former minister K T Rama Rao (KTR) in connection with the alleged misappropriation of ₹54.88 crore related to the 2023 Formula E electric car racing event in Hyderabad. The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) had been investigating KTR, who was the minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MAUD) at the time, for his alleged role in financial decisions surrounding the event. The ACB had questioned KTR twice in the past, and now, with the governor's approval, they can proceed with the prosecution. The state government had sought permission to prosecute KTR in September, citing evidence of his alleged involvement in financial irregularities. The governor had been delaying the decision, but finally granted the permission, removing the legal hurdle for the ACB to advance the case. KTR's cousin and former minister T Harish Rao termed the development as a case of 'political vendetta' against KTR, while Union minister of state for home affairs Bandi Sanjay welcomed the governor's decision. The FIR, registered by the ACB on December 19, 2024, alleged that irregularities were detected in the conduct of the Formula E event, including the payment of ₹54.88 crore to the sponsor, Formula-E Operations Ltd. The ACB alleged that the payments were made in violation of existing rules and regulations related to foreign exchange remittances. The case is significant, as it involves a high-profile leader and a major event, and the governor's decision has removed the legal barrier for the ACB to proceed with the prosecution. The development is likely to have political implications, with the opposition party accusing the ruling party of harassment and the ruling party claiming that it is a case of 'political vendetta'.