Mohanlal returns money after public outcry

Following a public outcry over the dismal performance of his band Lalisom at the National Games inaugural, Malayalam cinema's superstar Mohanlal Thursday returned to the authorities Rs.1.63 crore given to him for the show.

A Games official said: "A cover was delivered through a private courier agency around 3.30 p.m. and it has sender's name as Mohanlal." Jacob Punnoose, the chief executive of the 35th National Games, received the delivery, said the official.

On Wednesday, Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said the state government has no moral right to accept the money that it gave to Mohanlal.

The sporting event was inaugurated here Sunday and will be held till Feb 14.

In a related development, former sports minister K.B. Ganesh Kumar challenged Sports Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan and Chandy to order a CBI probe into allegations that were being levelled against the conduct of the Games.

"I challenge both of them to order a CBI probe and let them include my tenure also (2011-13). I am prepared to face it. Are they willing to order it?"

Meanwhile, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala Thursday said the Games were being held very "smoothly". "There have been no complaints from any person who are taking part in the events... Once the event gets over, then we can all decide what needs to be done," he said.