Delhi Games chief quizzed by police over corruption

The top organiser of the Delhi Commonwealth Games attended a police station in the Indian capital on Wednesday for questioning in a probe into corruption in the October event.

Suresh Kalmadi arrived at the headquarters of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in New Delhi, where he will be quizzed by detectives over suspect contracts.

The Games, which were marred by venue delays and poor organisation, were also hit by claims of massive financial irregularities as the budget ballooned to an estimated six billion dollars.

In late December, two-and-half months after the end of the event, police raided several residences used by Kalmadi, leading to criticism that the CBI had waited too long to gather evidence.

Kalmadi, a member of the ruling Congress party, has consistently protested his innocence.

"I am ready for any investigation on any issue," he said after his homes were raided on December 24.

"I am not running away," he added. "I am innocent till proven guilty."

The Games' sacked treasurer, M. Jayachandran, and two other officials have been charged by police with corruption.

The October 3-14 Commonwealth Games brought together athletes from 71 countries and territories, mostly from the former British empire.