Press Attache backs down after weeks of wrangling

Mehta had served as the Press Attache for various Olympic and Asian Games in the past and had also received the media accreditation from the London Olympics organisers.

But in a dramatic development, a miffed Mehta sent a letter to IOA Acting President V K Malhotra, saying that he would not accompany the Indian contingent to the London Olympic Games as a Press Attache in protest against the "backdoor entry" of Bedi.

"I am writing this letter to inform you that I will not be accompanying the Indian contingent to London Olympic Games as Press Attache," Mehta said in his letter to Malhotra.

"After rendering so many years of honorary service to IOA and having coordinated with LOGOC for the last three years and, in addition, shouldering responsibility as convener of Press Accreditation Committee, I was shocked to learn that a backdoor entry at your behest to Mr H S Bedi, a paid staff of IOA to replace me as Press Attache. It's very saddening to learn that such a decision was made," he said.

"Disturbed by such a decision, though the Olympic fraternity and IOA fully supported me in my endeavour to serve the Olympic Movement, I have decided not to accompany the Indian contingent in the Olympic Games," added Mehta.

The Press Attache's post for London Games had come under the spotlight after Bedi, who is said to be close to Malhotra, put himself up as a candidate despite having a media accreditation to cover the Games.

Mehta, on the other hand, had the backing of IOA Secretary General Randhir Singh, who is set to step down from the post later this year.