‘Tickets were illegally sold by OC members’
Probe by the Central agencies into the alleged irregularities in ticketing has revealed that several members of the Organising Committee (OC) of the Commonwealth Games cornered a large number of complementary tickets. They then allegedly either sold the tickets in the black market or distributed among people close to them. This, when all the counters showed no availability of tickets, while the stadia remained empty.
It may be recalled that the OC had replaced its two top officials, who were incharge of the ticket operations, following the ticket sales mess during the Games. Large-scale irregularities in ticket sales had surfaced when neither complementary tickets nor normal tickets were available for the spectators.
“It was also noticed that even complementary tickets were not available, which were meant for certain specific spectators. There were a total of 4.5 lakh complementary tickets printed for specific spectators, including government officials and also sponsors,” sources said. Tickets were not available, but stadiums were surprisingly empty in certain Games.
Sources further said, “The CBI is also probing irregularities in tickets sales, including complementary tickets.
The agency has collected documents and is expected to register a case in this regard very soon.”
Besides, the investigating agencies have also found that contractors related to catering, cleaning and sanitation and other similar services did not perform up to the mark and the possible reason could be that ineligible contractors were given voluminous works.
“The OC has now decided to deduct the money that they were supposed to be paid as per the original cost by 60 to 80 per cent. A final decision is likely to be taken in this regard in a day or two,” sources said.
Meanwhile, the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), probing alleged financial bungling in the Games-related projects, has reportedly referred certain cases to the Enforcement Directorate to check whether there was violation of foreign exchange laws. The ED has already registered Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) violation case in connection with Queen Baton’s Relay held in London 2009.
According to sources, projects like construction of the Games Village near Akshardham temple, hiring and procurement of medical and fitness equipment and conduct of outdoor publicity campaign by the OC are likely to come under the scanner of the ED.
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