CBI recovers ‘blackmail’ letter from Kalmadi house

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has recovered an alleged blackmail letter from the residence of the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi during the raids carried out by the probe agency on Friday.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has recovered an alleged blackmail letter from the residence of the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi during the raids carried out by the probe agency on Friday.

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Sources said the person who sent the letter asked for Rs 4 crore in exchange of a compact disc with “incriminating” information about the OC chief.

However, the content of the CD could not be ascertained. According to sources, Kalmadi was threatened that the CD’s content will be made public if he fails to pay the money.

Meanwhile, it was not clear what kind of action was taken by the OC chief regarding the letter, as he could not be reached for his comments.

Sources in the CBI said they are trying to verify the content of the unsigned letter. The “blackmailer” had demanded the money by December 24 — the day the CBI landed at Kalmadi’s residence. Investigators have questioned three Kalmadi aides about the letter, and plan to send the letter for forensic tests. Sources said the letter appears to be sent by post.

Although Kalmadi was asked about the letter, he could give any satisfactory reply, they said. The CBI had raided Kalmadi’s house in connection with the conduct of Queens Baton Relay in London.