Darbari: Kalmadi cleared UK firm

Aug 12, 2010 - Age Correspondent |

New Delhi

Breaking his silence for the first time after being sacked as Commonwealth Games Organising Committee joint director, Mr T.S. Darbari alleged he was being targeted by OC chairman Suresh Kalmadi. He claimed he had nothing to do with the deal related to the UK-based AM Films, which has come to the attention of investigative agencies following allegations of irregularities in payments.

Mr Darbari, who was summoned by the Enforcement Directorate on Monday, claimed to an English TV news channel that it was Mr Kalmadi who had personally approved hiring AM Films for transportation services during the Queen’s Baton Relay last year. He also alleged that Mr Kalmadi had approved 100 per cent advance payment to the firm. Mr Darbari is also understood to have written a letter to the sports ministry and CWG CEO Mike Hooper denying his involvement.
UK businessman Ashish Patel’s AM Films was paid 100 per cent in advance a sum of £247,000 for “services rendered” in London last year, said Mr Darbari. Mr Darbari also said that matters relating to engagement of vendors, passing of bills and disbursement of payments was handled by the committee.

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