Hyderabad: Senior IAS officer Arvind Kumar, facing questioning by the Anti-Corruption Bureau in the Formula E car race case, told investigators that funds were transferred to FEO company on the direct orders of then municipal administration minister K.T. Rama Rao.
During questioning on July 3, Arvind Kumar stated that the money was released from the HMDA account following explicit instructions from KTR, communicated over WhatsApp. Kumar maintained he had no personal interest in the transaction and had advised the minister that clearances from the finance department were needed as per business rules. However, KTR reportedly insisted that funds be released immediately, assuring that he would handle any procedural issues.
According to Arvind Kumar, ₹45.71 crore was paid through Indian Overseas Bank in British pounds to FEO.
The ACB is probing irregularities in the handling of payments for the Hyderabad Formula E race, held under the previous BRS government. Allegations include violations of financial regulations and misuse of public funds.
The agency has named KTR as Accused No. 1 (A1), Arvind Kumar as Accused No. 2 (A2), and former HMDA chief engineer B.L.N. Reddy as Accused No. 3 (A3) in its FIR.
ACB had already questioned KTR, Arvind Kumar, and B.L.N. Reddy in connection with these allegations. Arvind Kumar’s statement came in response to questions based on KTR’s own statement recorded on June 16.
