The CBI, probing various cases in the conduct of the Commonwealth Games (CWG), is set to register a “preliminary enquiry” (PE) to probe the alleged irregularities committed in awarding contracts related to upgradation of street lighting in the city.
According to sources, initial probe by the agency has revealed that the Public Works Department (PWD) of the Delhi government and civic agencies allegedly made an excess expenditure of `31.07 crores on street lighting upgradation in the city. The CBI is expected to register a PE in this connection in a day or two, sources added.
“Probe has also revealed that the imported luminaries were procured at a cost much higher than the cost t which indigenous luminaries were procured, leading to avoidable extra expenditure of `31.07 crores. The procurement process did not ensure procurement at competitive rates,” sources said. The agency officials are also analysing the findings of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)’s report on the CWG, sources added.
Sources further said, “The agency has received more than 20 complaints related to financial irregularities in the CWG projects following the CAG report. It is believed that at four more PEs will be registered to probe alleged criminal aspect in the conduct of the games.”
The Central agency has also decided to convert its PE, registered to probe irregularities in awarding contract (worth `71.8 crores) related to the appointment of a Switzerland-based company as technical consultant for the games, into a regular case, sources said.