The question of whether Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) will be arrested has gained significant traction in recent political discussions. The issue took a new turn when the Telangana government formally wrote to the Governor, seeking permission to file an FIR against KTR. This development has fueled further speculation about his potential arrest.
KTR had planned a trip to Malaysia, but he unexpectedly canceled the visit at the last minute. In a social media post, he stated that he was at home and ready for any government agencies to come for him at any time. This public statement intensified the debate over his possible arrest. During a press conference, KTR made it clear that he was not afraid of being arrested, even suggesting that he could spend two months in jail and emerge stronger. His remarks signaled that he was mentally prepared for such a scenario.
Adding to the speculation, Minister P. Sabitha Indra Reddy, during her trip to Seoul, hinted that there could be a series of high-profile arrests in the state, suggesting a political bomb could soon explode. KTR echoed similar sentiments during his visit to Khammam, referring to an impending “nuclear bomb” in Telangana’s political landscape. He emphasized that anyone found guilty, regardless of their status, would not be spared by the government. These statements indirectly suggested that either KCR or KTR could face arrest, further fueling rumors within political circles.
Governor’s Approval Key to Investigation
The ongoing discussions surrounding KTR’s arrest are tied to legal procedures involving the Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act. To proceed with an investigation under this Act, the government requires approval from the Governor, as per Section 17A of the law, which mandates that senior officials, including ministers, cannot be investigated or charged for their policy decisions without permission from the heads of their departments.
Given that KTR is facing allegations of corruption, the state government must seek the Governor’s consent to proceed with the case. The government has already submitted a formal request to the Governor. However, under the rules, the Governor has up to three months to respond, with a one-month grace period. There is growing speculation that once the Governor’s approval is received, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) could register a case against KTR, potentially leading to his arrest.