Mehta, Malik let off for lack of evidence

IOA secretary general Rajeev Mehta and wrestling referee Virender Malik, who were arrested on different reasons, were today released after charges against them were dropped for lack of evidence, putting an end to their unsavoury ordeal.

The charges against both the Indian officials were dropped and the matter did not come up for hearing at the Sheriff's Court, according to an Indian High Commission official.

The decision to let off the two officials came as huge relief for the Indian contingent, which had to face a lot of embarrassment on the last day of the 20th Commonwealth Games because of the development.

While Mehta was arrested for alleged drunken driving, Malik, who is not a part of the official contingent was facing a more serious charge of alleged sexual assault.

The duo was, however, not staying with the official 215-strong contingent which was putting up at the Games village. Both of them were reportedly lodged at a local hotel.

"Charges against both of them have been dropped due to lack of evidence. They have been released without any charges being framed," the High Commission official said.

The Indian Consulate in Edinburgh was liaising with the police on the matter.

The Consulate in Edinburgh had deputed an official to Glasgow to keep in close touch with the police authorities to ascertain full factual details of the case.

Uttar Pradesh Olympic Association secretary Anandeshwar Pandey, who is part of the IOA delegation and was at the court, said the officials were released after primary investigation.

"During primary investigation, they (Scotland Police) couldn't find enough evidence to frame charges. So they were let off without being produced before the court," Pandey said.

Elaborating on the incident, Pandey said that Mehta was driving a friend's car and there was a minor accident while coming out of the parking lot.