Formula E Case: Centre Clears IAS Officer Aravind Kumar for Inquiry

The Formula E case takes a significant turn as the central government has approved the interrogation of senior IAS officer Aravind Kumar , named as an accused in alleged irregularities during the race conducted under the previous BRS government . BRS Working President KTR , also a key figure in the case, faces heightened political scrutiny following the Centre’s decision.

Under regulations, prior central approval is mandatory to register a case or investigate an IAS officer. The Telangana government submitted a request, which was approved on Saturday. The case is currently being investigated by the State Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) . In November last year, the Governor Vishnu Dev Varma had approved filing charges against KTR. The first Formula E race in Hyderabad took place in February 2023 , while a planned second edition in 2024 was cancelled after the Congress government assumed office in December 2023.

Investigative agencies allege violations in payments related to the 2024 event, totaling over ₹55 crore , mostly in foreign currency . In December 2024, the ACB registered cases against KTR, Aravind Kumar, and then HMDA Chief Engineer B.L.N. Reddy . KTR has denied wrongdoing, saying the fund transfers were his decision to boost Hyderabad’s international prestige and that government funds remain with the organisers. He has stated he is ready for any inquiry and willing to undergo a lie-detector test . The Centre’s approval is expected to expedite the ACB investigation, raising speculation about political consequences.

During the race agreement, Aravind Kumar was HMDA Commissioner and Special Principal Secretary in the Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department , allegedly playing a key role in transferring ₹55 crore to organisers without Cabinet or Finance approval . The ACB claims he cleared files rapidly under KTR’s instructions, bypassing regulations, and violating FEMA rules for foreign currency payments. After the Congress government came to power, Aravind Kumar was transferred and now serves as Disaster Management Commissioner , having also received show cause notices during the inquiry.

Criminal prosecution of IAS officers requires central sanction under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 , as All India Service officers’ decisions fall under central jurisdiction. The sanction safeguards honest officials from political pressures, but with substantial evidence, the state can request approval, enabling agencies like the ACB to proceed with filing charges or other legal action.