TL;DR: Former Telangana minister K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) was interrogated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for about seven hours regarding a ₹45.7 crore transfer from the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) to UK-based Formula-E Operations (FEO) in 2023. The ED's probe, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), follows an Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) FIR alleging procedural lapses. KTR maintains his innocence, attributing the investigation to political vendetta.
Hey folks! Big news from Hyderabad! 🌆 Our very own K.T. Rama Rao, popularly known as KTR, faced a marathon questioning session with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) that lasted a whopping seven hours! 🕖
What's the Fuss About? 🤔
So, here's the scoop: Back in 2023, when KTR was the Minister for Municipal Administration & Urban Development, the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) transferred a hefty ₹45.7 crore to the UK-based Formula-E Operations (FEO). 🏎️💸 This was all about bringing the swanky Formula-E race to our city.
Why the ED's Interest? 🕵️♂️
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) had earlier filed a First Information Report (FIR) pointing out some alleged procedural hiccups in this transaction. Following this, the ED stepped in to check if there were any money laundering shenanigans under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
KTR's Stand:
After the grilling session, KTR chatted with the media, mentioning that while the ACB had thrown 80 questions his way last week, the ED had a shorter list of 40. 📝 He emphasized his commitment to cooperate with the agencies, even though he feels the whole thing is driven by political motives. KTR confidently stated, "I have done nothing wrong and I will never do. If they prove that I did something wrong, I am ready for any punishment." 💪
A Challenge Thrown! 🥊
In a bold move, KTR dared Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy to join him in a lie detector test, live in front of the media and a judge, to clear the air once and for all. 🎤⚖️ He believes this would save public money and time, instead of dragging through prolonged investigations.
MediaFx's Take:
Corruption within bourgeois parties is a persistent issue, and any genuine efforts to address and penalize such malpractices are commendable. 🕵️♀️⚖️ However, in this scenario, the case initiated by Revanth Reddy against KTR seems to revolve more around procedural lapses than any clear evidence of personal financial gain. Pursuing such a case, even if it leads to a conviction, might inadvertently generate public sympathy for KTR. This strategy could backfire politically, much like how the skill courses case in Andhra Pradesh ended up bolstering Chandrababu Naidu's position, countering Jagan's plans. 🎭🔄
Join the Conversation! 🗣️
What do you think about this political drama? Is it a genuine fight against corruption or just another political chess game? Share your thoughts in the comments below! 📝👇
