Ready for govt probe: Bhanot

NEW DELHI: Commonwealth Games spokesman Lalit Bhanot on Thursday said two suspended officials T S Darbari and M Jeychandren, along with Sanjay Mahindroo who had resigned a few months back as joint director general in the OC, were responsible for organising the Queen’s Baton Relay.

“Mahindroo is no longer on the payroll of the OC, but his conduct too had been referred for further investigation ,’’ Bhanot said.

He said though Jeychandren’s name was never brought up, he was held responsible since he was in charge of the department concerned at that time. “However , he has appealed against the suspension and we have called him for a hearing tomorrow ,’’ Bhanot said.

He revealed that the executive board had also decided to serve a termination notice on SMAM since the company had not delivered on its promise of generating sponsorship worth $122 million until June 30. “The SMAM issue was raised at the executive board meeting six months ago.

The opinion of our legal consultants had been sought, and on their advice we have decided to issue a contract termination notice to the company. We have not paid even a single rupee to SMAM till now,’’ he said. Bhanot, however, declined to say if SMAM would be paid any commission from the Rs 100 crore promised by the railways for the Games. “But for other PSUs, they will be getting 50% of their commission ,’’ he said.

The CWG spokesman said following the allegations of overspending, the details on overlays would be handed over to the cabinet secretary. “We are open to any probe by the government,’’ he said.

Meanwhile, Anil Khanna submitted his resignation to the OC, which was accepted at the board meeting. “I have resigned from the treasurer’s post. I am taking moral responsibility . I am not in the process of selection of the turf. I joined OC in January, the tendering process had taken place in December,’’ he said