40 CWG projects come under CVC scanner

NEW DELHI: Widening its probe, the Central Vigilance Commission is looking into at least 40 CWG-related construction and procurement works carried out by different government agencies for alleged financial irregularities.

The sale of VIP passes, supply of furniture, equipment and utensil for Games Village, misuse of funds by certain central and Delhi government officials and discrepancies in appointment of placement brokers are also being examined by the anti-corruption watchdog.

The CVC is also probing charges of alleged corruption and misuse of official position by sacked Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chief Suresh Kalmadi and his aides.

According to the information received in response to an RTI application filed by PTI, out of the total of 40 projects, 15 were carried out by Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, six by DDA, four by Delhi Government, three by Municipal Corporation of Delhi, two by New Delhi Municipal Council and one by Games Organising Committee among others.

Whereas, one work each relating to Department of Commerce, Indian Meteorological Department and Ministry of Earth are also being probed for alleged financial and managerial discrepancies, the RTI reply said.

"The complaint against P K Muralidharan, General Secretary and Suresh Kalmadi, President (sacked), OC, regarding misuse of official position and deriving pecuniary benefits from OC, Commonwealth Games, 2010, was sent to Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO), OC, Commonwealth Games, 2010 for necessary action at their end," it said.

The Commission has sought a report from Delhi Government and Sports Ministry respectively on irregularities in purchase of medical equipment and sale of VIP passes for the sporting extravaganza held here between October 3-14 last year.

It has also asked the Ministry to furnish reply over irregularities in appointment of insurance consultant and placement broker for the Games.

"The issue relating to allegation against Kalmadi and others for hiring various equipments, more costlier than their total cost was sent to the CVO, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports for necessary action at their end," the reply said.

Besides, the probity watchdog is awaiting a report on the allegations over Amit Mittal, CMD of A2Z Infra Services Pvt Ltd, paying money to Suresh Kalmadi to get the work.

The charges, however, was denied by the company. "The issue relating to the firm promising to procure sponsorship for the event worth Rs 470 crore, but procuring only worth Rs 125 crore and the OC agreeing to give commission on that sponsorship also which the company could not procure and which came directly to the OC... Factual report (has been) called for from the CVO, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports," it reads.