Formula E case: court says October, politics says London

K.T. Rama Rao appeared before the Nampally Special ACB Court on September 18 in the Formula E case involving alleged procedural violations in payments of approximately Rs 54.88 crore connected to Hyderabad’s proposed second race. The court posted the matter to October 30 after representatives of Formula E-linked accused entities reportedly did not appear and summons had not been served. The merits were not heard. The paperwork, for now, is doing the racing.

The Telangana ACB’s allegations include that Cabinet and Finance Department approvals were not obtained, HMDA funds were transferred to a foreign entity, and payments were made in foreign currency. These remain prosecution allegations, not findings of guilt. KTR, who appeared with former officials, said the case was political retaliation for trying to bring investment and goodwill to Hyderabad and Telangana. He also said he would appear whenever summoned.

The reported figures vary: earlier reporting referred to Rs 45 crore in payments, while later FIR-based reporting cited Rs 54.88 crore. The accessible record does not establish the final charge amount or resolve the discrepancy in the numbering of the accused entities. What is established is simpler: KTR appeared, the case did not move on merits, and the next date is October 30. The Congress government’s Formula E grand prix is still waiting for its first finish line.