CVC expands probe; 18 more projects under scanner

Widening its probe into alleged corruption in Commonwealth Games, the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has brought 18 new projects related to the event under its scanner.

In reply to an RTI query, the anti-corruption watchdog said that it has found alleged irregularities in the sale of VIP passes, installation of fitness equipment and appointment of placement broker and manipulation of tenders floated by different government civic and construction agencies here and sought reports.

Besides the Commission is looking into the allegations made by an official of an infrastructure firm against CWG Organising Committee chief Suresh Kalmadi for accepting money.

"The issue relating to allegation against Kalmadi and others for hiring various equipment, including tread mills, costlier than their total cost was sent to the CVO (Chief Vigilance Officer), Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports for necessary action at their end," the CVC said in reply to RTI query filed by S C Agarwal.

The CVC has sent the complaint, alleging Amit Mittal, CMD of A2Z Infra Services Pvt Ltd paid money to Kalmadi to get the work, for factual report to the CVO, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the Commission said.

It has also sought report over the appointment of R K Sacheti, former Joint Director General of Commonwealth Games.

A report has been sought from Sports Ministry on the issue relating "to the firm promising to procure sponsorship for the event worth Rs 470 crore but procuring only worth Rs 125 crore and the OC agreeing to give commission on that sponsorship also which company could not procure and which came directly to the OC.

"The issue relating to irregularities in sale of VIP passes was sent to CVO, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports for necessary action at their end," the RTI reply said.

The Commission said the matter pertaining to overlays and venue operators, issue relating to perjury statement by Union Minister Jaipal Reddy, malpractices in the appointment of workforce and Games staff and favouritism to private parties in tenders for room bath lenin in DDA mega housing project for Games have also been sent to respective CVOs for necessary action.

Two cases related to upgradation of streetlights in the National Capital Territory by Municipal Corporation of Delhi and contracts given to London based firms for Queen's Baton relay is being investigated by the CBI.

In reply to RTI query filed by PTI, the CVC had earlier said that it was probing at least 22 Games-related construction and procurement works carried out by different government agencies here for alleged financial irregularities.