BRS working president K T Rama Rao faced tough questioning from Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) officials on Monday in connection with the Formula E racing irregularities case.
A team of ACB officers, led by investigation officer Majid Ali Khan, interrogated him for nearly eight hours at the ACB headquarters in Banjara Hills.
Sources say the ACB raised pointed questions about the transfer of funds without Cabinet approval.
When Rama Rao laughed off some of the questions instead of providing direct answers, one officer reportedly asked him to stick to straightforward replies rather than giving lengthy speeches.
At one point, when asked to submit his mobile phone, Rama Rao claimed he had not brought it to the ACB office.
The agency reportedly flagged five key issues: the agreement with Formula E Racing Operations Ltd, government approvals for the deal, the finance department’s consent to release HMDA funds, RBI clearance for transferring large sums to a foreign bank account, among others.
Armed with statements from Formula E Racing Operations Ltd management, senior IAS officer Arvind Kumar, and former HMDA employee BLN Reddy, the ACB pressed Rama Rao to explain how the fund transfers were authorized and whether proper approvals were in place.
As Rama Rao attempted to explain the Formula E racing activities held during the BRS government’s tenure, one officer interrupted him, demanding to see any official government order approving the event.
Rama Rao maintained there was no fund diversion and denied having any personal interest in the Formula E racing activities.
Before concluding the session, the ACB instructed Rama Rao to remain available for further questioning if required.
