CBI summons OC chief Kalmadi for questioning

CBI has summoned Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chief Suresh Kalmadi to appear before it for interrogation relating to alleged irregularities in the conduct of the mega sporting event here.

CBI sources said Kalmadi has been served a notice in this regard and the agency has taken necessary permission from the Lok Sabha Secretariat, as the OC head is member of the House. They said Kalmadi has conveyed to CBI that he can appear before it after January 3. Sources said the OC chairman will be asked to clarify certain contracts given to foreign firms for carrying out overlays work, alleged misappropriation of funds meant for various activities and Queen’s Baton Relay in London last year among other things.

CBI sleuths have also grilled Kalmadi’s three key aides in connection with the scam. Sources said Manoj Bhori, political advisor to Kalmadi, P K Srivastava and A K Sinha, both assistants to the OC head, were called in.

They said the trio were called to submit certain documents related to the Games for cross-examination.

“I was not questioned. I had come to submit some documents,” Srivastava told reporters outside the agency’s office here.

The CBI had yesterday questioned OC secretary general Lalit Bhanot, Bhure and another official R K Sacheti.

Sources said the officials were questioned at length about several contracts. They were also asked to clarify certain financial transactions made with CWG contractors for the conduct of the Commonwealth Games, sources added.