The CBI, probing various cases in the conduct of the Commonwealth games (CWG)-2010, has initiated the process of recording the statement of London-based Ashish Patel in connection with its probe related to Queen Bataon Relay (QBR) contracts.
The agency has already booked Ashish Patel (director of the London—based AM Films and AM car & Van hire) and three former officials of the Organising Committee (OC) on charges of forgery and cheating in connection with alleged irregularities in payments during the QBR held in London in 2009.
Earlier, Patel was not cooperating with the CBI. He did not even send his statement to the CBI through diplomatic channel. But now there is a positive development and we are in the process of recording his statement”, sources said. It is believed that Patel may send his statement through diplomatic channel.
The agency has booked Mr Patel in two cases (FIRs).
The first case was registered under different sections of the IPC and Prevention of Corruption Act in relation to the award of contract to London-based AM car and Van Hire Ltd at exorbitant rates. It is alleged that the accused officials of the OC, in conspiracy with the transport firm and its owner, awarded work to the said firm at exorbitant rates without following the standard tender process.
Sources further said, “The agency is also preparing to file chargesheet in the QBR case. Some former OC officials will be named as an accused in the chargesheet”. Meanwhile, the CBI has also decided to send a “Letter of Request” (LR) to authorities concerned in the UK to get details about a London-based company which reportedly supplied playing surface tracks for lawn bowls to its subsidiary in Delhi for the games. The agency has already registered an FIR against seven officials of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and Central Public Works Department (CPWD) in connection with alleged irregularities committed in awarding contract related to installation of playing surface tracks for lawn bowls for the Games.