KTR refuses to appear before ACB without lawyers in Formula E case

Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president and legislator KT Rama Rao on Monday refused to appear without his lawyers before the Telangana Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) for questioning in connection with the alleged financial irregularities in the conduct of Formula-E racing in Hyderabad during the previous regime.

- Srinivasa Rao Apparasu

HYDERABAD: Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president and legislator KT Rama Rao on Monday refused to appear without his lawyers before the Telangana Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) for questioning in connection with the alleged financial irregularities in the conduct of Formula-E racing in Hyderabad during the previous regime.

A high-drama prevailed at the ACB office at Banjara Hills in the morning, when KTR—as the BRS leader is popularly known—arrived with his team of lawyers, in response to the probe agency's notice dated January 3. The police, however, stopped his vehicle and refused to allow his lawyers inside the building. After a standoff that lasted for about 45 minutes, KTR left the ACB office after submitting his reply to the notice.

In his written reply, a copy of which was seen by HT, the BRS leader said he was ready to cooperate with the investigation within the limits of the "constitutional and legal rights". KTR said he had asked for details of the case and relevant documents pertaining to it, but had got no response. He also pointed out that he had challenged the FIR registered against him in connection with the Formula-E race case before the high court.