CVC to examine Delhi govt role in CWG medical scam

Suspecting large scale bungling in the award of contract for purchase of medical equipments for the Commonwealth Games, the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has initiated a probe to examine the role of Delhi government officials and others involved in the deals.

The CVC has found sufficient documentary evidence on alleged collusion by certain Delhi government officials in executing a number of contracts for buying such items, to warrant a direct inquiry, sources claimed.

The Delhi government had floated tenders to buy items like stretchers, ultrasound therapy machines, wheelchairs, trolley beds and Shortwave Diathermy machines (used to cure muscle and tissue injuries) among others for the mega sporting event from contractors at allegedly inflated rates.

The inquiry being undertaken by the Chief Technical Examination Wing of the commission will look into tender documents, payment bills, inventory records and papers related to eligibility criteria of the vendors chosen to supply the equipment.

“Our officials have found many discrepancies in the award of the contracts and felt that the commission must conduct a direct probe to assess the wrongdoings in the run up to the sporting event held here in October last year,” a CVC official said.

The probity watchdog initiates direct inquiry in cases where it suspects huge financial and procedural lapses and wants “no interference and influence” from insiders.

The CVC has conducted direct inquiries in the 2G spectrum allocation case, among others. The procedure and documents involved in purchases of all medical equipments by Delhi government will be scrutinised by the commission, sources said. The CVC is likely to finalise its report within three months, they said. The commission is already probing alleged discrepancies in the purchase of air conditioners, furniture and kitchen equipment for the Commonwealth Games Village by the Delhi Development Authority.