India names 2 London firms in Commonwealth suits

NEW DELHI: Indian investigators say they have filed the first two lawsuits over alleged corruption involving the Commonwealth Games and have arrested two company officials.

Central Bureau for Investigation spokesman R K Gaur says those arrested Monday worked in marketing for the London-based firms named in the suits _ A M Car-Van Hire Ltd. and A M Films.

The companies were contracted during the Queen's Baton Relay launching ceremony in London, held a year before the Oct. 3-14 Games in Delhi.

Gaur says the companies are accused of cheating, criminal conspiracy and abuse of office.

The Games, which India had hoped would boost its world reputation, instead were a source of embarrassment amid allegations of sleaze, construction delays and cost overruns. The estimated $412 million price tag ballooned to around $15 billion.