16 March,2011 06:54 AM IST | | Mohit Sharma
To Suresh Kalmadi it must have felt like deja vu. The Central Bureau of Investigation questioning (CBI) the former CWG 2010 OC chief on Tuesdayu00a0- the second time in two monthsu00a0- has evoked similar reactions from other quarters.
Three of his close aidesu00a0- former OC Secretary General Lalit Bhanot, former OC Director General V K Verma and his personal assistant Shekhar Deorukhkaru00a0- have already been arrested in connection with alleged irregularities committed in management of the mega sporting event. Opposition political parties say it's high time some action was initiated against Kalmadi.
Former Commonwealth Games Organising Committee Chairman
Suresh Kalmadi speaks to reporters outside the Central Bureau
of Investigation headquarters in New Delhi on Tuesday.
PIC/Imtiyaz Khan
Kalmadi reached the CBI headquarters in the Capital at around 10.30 in the morning and left the premises at about 7.19 pm yesterday.
"I am ready for any investigation and I am fully cooperating with any investigative agency. Accordingly, I have come here today," Kalmadi told reporters on emerging from the CBI headquarters.
Asked if he was ready to come every time the CBI called, Kalmadi replied: "I am ready to come everyday." He said he was questioned on deals with Britain-based AM Films and its sister concern AM Car and Van Hire, run by businessman Ashish Patel.
"We questioned him about every allegation which the Organising Committee has been facing," CBI sources said.u00a0 The investigating agency has so far registered eight cases of which three are related to restoration work of two sporting venues, two are related to Queen's Baton Relay, while one each is related to overlays contract given to Swiss Time Keeping, and contract given to SIS live for the coverage of the Games.
On December 24 last year, Kalmadi's residential premises in Delhi, Mumbai and Pune had been raided by the CBI. The agency also searched the premises of Kalmadi's personal secretary Manoj Bhure. On March 1, CBI had searched the bank lockers of Kalmadi that had been sealed last month.u00a0
The Congress politician was eager to pass the blame. "There were other government agencies involved in the conduct of the Games. Delhi Government's agencies were involved. They should also be questioned," Kalmadi said. "Definitely, I think, I am sure they will call him also," he replied when asked aboutu00a0 CWG Organising Committee CEO Jarnail Singh.
Rs 11,500 cr
Approx. final budget for CWG 2010
Rs 1,620 cr
Initial budget estimate for the event
'Bail out'
Also on Tuesday, the Delhi High Court granted bail to Binu Nanu, an official of a private firm who was in jail for his involvement in the controversy over granting a Rs 600 crore overlays contract for the Games.
