The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has granted sanction to prosecute senior IAS officer Arvind Kumar (IAS: 1991: TG cadre) in connection with the alleged financial irregularities in the Hyderabad Formula E race case.
With prosecution approvals now secured for both the political executive and the senior administrative official, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) is preparing to file a chargesheet against all accused in the case, including K. T. Rama Rao, working president of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS).
₹55 Crore Formula E Row: DoPT Approves Action Against IAS Officer; KTR Among Accused
Allegations of Financial Irregularities in Formula E Hyderabad 2024
The case pertains to alleged irregularities in the organisation of the second edition of the Formula E Hyderabad ePrix held in Hyderabad in 2024.
According to ACB officials, approximately ₹55 crore was allegedly diverted to certain foreign companies associated with Formula E race operations. The funds were reportedly transferred without following due procedure, raising concerns about financial mismanagement and violation of established norms.
Officials Named in the Case
Apart from K T Rama Rao and IAS officer Arvind Kumar, the ACB has also named BLN Reddy, Chief Engineer of the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA), in the case.
The Anti-Corruption Bureau had earlier registered an FIR against the accused, alleging misuse of public funds and irregular financial transactions related to the international racing event.
Chargesheet Expected Soon
With the DoPT’s prosecution sanction now in place for Arvind Kumar — a mandatory requirement for proceeding against serving IAS officers — and approvals already secured in relation to the political executive, the ACB is expected to move ahead with filing the chargesheet in the coming days.
The development marks a significant step in the ongoing investigation into the Hyderabad Formula E case, which has triggered political debate in Telangana over alleged financial impropriety in hosting high-profile international events.