Formula E-race case proceedings moved forward in Hyderabad on Friday as BRS working president and former minister KT Rama Rao appeared before the special court for ACB cases in Nampally. The hearing concerns allegations surrounding the transfer of about Rs.55 crore from the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority for organising the Formula E race.
The Anti-Corruption Bureau has raised objections to the transfer of the money from HMDA. According to the report, the objections relate to whether the necessary permissions and financial procedures were followed before the funds were moved for the event.
The case has brought the financial and administrative role of HMDA into focus. The authority, which is responsible for metropolitan-level development functions, is identified in the proceedings as the source from which the funds were transferred. The supplied report does not provide further details on the specific approval process, the officials involved or the expenditure breakdown.
The special court issued summons to the accused after considering the charge sheet filed by the ACB. The court proceedings therefore concern the allegations recorded by the investigating agency and the next steps in the case. The allegations have not been established as findings of guilt.
Rama Rao had not attended the previous hearing due to personal reasons, according to the report. The matter was adjourned to Friday, when he appeared before the court in connection with the case.
The Formula E race was a major urban event, requiring public agencies to coordinate funding and administration. The proceedings now place those institutional processes under judicial scrutiny, particularly the question of whether the transfer from HMDA complied with required permissions and financial procedures.
The court’s issuance of summons follows its consideration of the ACB charge sheet. Further proceedings will determine how the allegations are examined in the case.
