CBI visits Games OC office, takes away files

The half-a-dozen probe agencies investigating procedural irregularities and instances of alleged corruption during the preparations for the Games are tightening the net around the Organising Committee. Moushumi Das Gupta reports. Costly affair

The half-a-dozen probe agencies investigating procedural irregularities and instances of alleged corruption during the preparations for the Commonwealth Games are tightening the net around the Games Organising Committee (OC).

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The CBI began its probe on Monday, looking into the £250,000 (Rs 1.8 crore) spent on the inauguration of the Queen's Baton Relay in London in October 2009. CBI sleuths visited the OC headquarters and took possession of all files related to the launch.

They also took away files detailing the money transfer to two London-based firms - AM Films and AM Car and Vans - that were hired by the OC to provide logistical support during the inauguration.

The development comes soon after the CBI wrote a letter to the OC demanding all the concerned files. The files were duly handed over, said an OC source.

A CBI spokesperson, however, claimed to be unaware of the development.

The Enforcement Directorate is already investigating allegations of money laundering against certain OC officials during the relay inauguration.

The OC has already sacked two of its officials for their role in this scam following an internal enquiry in August.

Officials from Income Tax department, the Central Vigilance Commission and the Comptroller & Auditor General's (CAG) offices also continued their investigations into Games related projects and the OC's dealings, looking into the account books and verifying records.

Vinod Rai of the CAG said that it would complete its investigations in three months time.

"Now that the Games are over, audit has to be done. We want results at the earliest. We want to ensure that accountability gets established. It will be a comprehensive audit," he said.

The CAG has deployed 100 officials to conduct the audit across 20 Games-related centers including stadiums, the Games village, OC office, etc.

The V K Shungloo committee, set up by the prime minister's office on Friday to probe all Games related projects, has already been given three months time to submit its report.