Kalmadi disregarded Centre's direction for transparency: CBI

In awarding TSR contract for CWG 2010 to his favoured company, sacked OC chairman and seven-time MP Suresh Kalmadi disregarded the directions of the Centre for transperancy, CBI has said in its charge sheet.

In awarding TSR contract for CWG 2010 to his favoured company, sacked OC chairman and seven-time MP Suresh Kalmadi disregarded the directions of the Centre for transperancy, CBI has said in its charge sheet.

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In its first charge sheet filed against Kalmadi, 67, and ten others, CBI has said OC former secretary general Lalit Bhanot, Kalmadi's confidant and co-accused had in pursuance of the Centre's direction for transparency directed issuance of a note with an Expression of Interest for TSR suggesting that the eligibility criteria for the TSR bidders was approved by the Ministry of Sports.

The Centre had sanctioned a grant of Rs 45 crore for the TSR system and directed for transparency in its contract.

"Investigation has revealed that there was no approval of the government in respect of criteria/contents for eligibility criteria," the charge sheet said.

Investigation shows that disregarding the directions of the government for transperancy and in furtherance of the conspiracy to favour Swiss Timing, on the directions of Lalit Bhanot, a note was initiated on March 21, 2009, enclosing an EoI for TSR.

"This note stated ... the contents to be placed on the website as approved by the Ministry of Sports are enclosed. It is for approval and instruction to the concerned officer to place the matter on the website of OC," CBI said in its charge sheet.

"The government nomineees raised the issue of lack of clarity regarding the criteria adopted by the expert committee in short lising only certain brands. Investigation has revealed that Kalmadi fradulently stated that the recommendations were finalised in consultation with the international federations," the probe agency said.