Hyderabad: Tension prevailed around Telangana Bhavan on Monday as BRS working president KT Rama Rao appeared before the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) for questioning in the Formula-E race case. Anticipating protests, police enforced prohibitory orders under Section 144, turning the area into a virtual fortress.

Shops, including the popular Café Niloufer, were shut down, and citizens were barred from accessing the premises. It is learned that the cafe was forced to pull shutters down even when there were several customers inside. The gates of Telangana Bhavan, located adjacent to the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC), were locked for sometime, despite objections from BRS leaders.

A heavy police presence was deployed, citing precautionary measures following the massive rally by BRS workers during Rama Rao’s previous ACB appearance. This time too, anxious BRS cadres gathered, triggering speculation about his possible arrest, a rumour that gained traction ahead of the impending local body elections. However, there was no official confirmation of any arrest.

Police barricaded roads leading to the ACB office, initially restricting movement of public including media to 300 metres from the entrance gate. Journalists were later permitted to report from a 100-metre distance for news coverage. Only the vehicle carrying BRS working president and his advocate were allowed inside the ACB office.

The atmosphere remained tense throughout the day, with BRS workers seeking updates from police and media amid rumours. Senior leaders including former Minister T Harish Rao who accompanied Rama Rao before he entered, were seen coordinating with the party leaders inside and outside Telangana Bhavan.