CBI seeks I&B ministry's nod to proceed against Lalli in CWG scam

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has sought sanction of the information and broadcasting ministry to prosecute former Prasar Bharati Chief Executive Officer (CEO) BS Lalli and Doordarshan Director General Aruna Sharma in connection with allegations of corruption in awarding broadcasting rights of the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has sought sanction of the information and broadcasting ministry to prosecute former Prasar Bharati Chief Executive Officer (CEO) BS Lalli and Doordarshan Director General Aruna Sharma in connection with allegations of corruption in awarding broadcasting rights of the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

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It has been reported that soon after getting clearance from the Prime Minister''s Office to initiate action against the two officials, the investigating agency wrote to the Information and Broadcasting Ministry seeking its permission to go ahead with criminal proceedings against them.

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, referred the Shunglu Committee Report on Host Broadcasting issues relating to the Commonwealth Games to the CBI on Friday.

He has also asked the Information and Broadcasting Ministry to recommend an appropriate course of action within two weeks

Sharma belongs to the Madhya Pradesh cadre of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).

Dr. Singh has also ordered review of the claims for payments of dues by the London-based SIS LIVE, the broadcaster for the 2010 Commonwealth Games, and to ''ensure that there is no over-payment''.

The Shunglu Committee had said that the two officials had favoured the SIS LIVE with an exorbitant contract and approved inflated bills, causing a loss of Rs.132 crore to the national exchequer.

If ''over-payment'' has been made, action should be taken to ensure the recovery of it, the Prime Minister said.