Hyderabad Formula E case: Centre clears prosecution of IAS officer Arvind Kumar
The decision, formally communicated to the State government, clears the way for the ACB to proceed with filing its charge sheet in the case
By - Sistla Dakshina Murthy
Senior IAS officer Arvind Kumar (File Photo)
Hyderabad: In a significant breakthrough in the alleged irregularities surrounding the 2023 Formula E race, the Central government has reportedly granted sanction to prosecute senior IAS officer and Special Chief Secretary to Govt, Disaster Management, Arvind Kumar.
The decision, formally communicated to the State government, clears the way for the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) to proceed with filing its charge sheet in the case.
The Governor had earlier accorded sanction to prosecute former Municipal Administration Minister and BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao (KTR), bringing both political and bureaucratic decision-makers within the ambit of criminal prosecution.
Alleged ₹54.88 crore irregularity
The case relates to the organization of the Formula E race in Hyderabad in 2023. According to the ACB, ₹54.88 crore was paid to a foreign firm in alleged violation of established procedures, resulting in financial loss to the State exchequer.
Investigators claim that funds were released without mandatory approvals and due process.
Four accused named
The ACB has arrayed four accused in the case: A1: K.T. Rama Rao (KTR), A2: IAS officer Arvind Kumar, A3: Former HMDA Chief Engineer B.L.N. Reddy, and A4: Formula E Operations (FEO) company.
The agency alleges that the accused entered into a criminal conspiracy and misused government funds in connection with the event.
Charges invoked
The ACB has registered cases under: Section 409 of the IPC – Criminal breach of trust by a public servant, Section 120B of the IPC – Criminal conspiracy (read with Section 409), and Section 13(1)(a) read with 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
These provisions carry stringent penalties, including imprisonment ranging from seven years to life, if the charges are proved in court.
Statement during investigation
Arvind Kumar, who was serving as Special Chief Secretary, Municipal Administration, at the time of the event, had earlier submitted a written statement to the government.
During ACB questioning, he reportedly stated that the funds were released following directions from the then Minister, K.T. Rama Rao.
Next legal steps
With prosecution sanctions now in place for both key accused, the ACB is in the final stages of completing its investigation and is expected to file the charge sheet before the competent court shortly. The case is poised to enter a crucial legal phase in the coming weeks.
