CVC looking into 58 graft cases in connection with CWG

[1]

The Central Vigilance Commission is looking into 58 cases of alleged graft and irregularities in various projects carried out by the government for the Commonwealth Games held here over a year ago.

The cases being looked into by the Commission include corruption in procurement of display boards, air conditioners, construction of stadia, games venue, foot overbridges, bus queue shelters and appointment of workforce including insurance consultant and placement broker in the Organising Committee.

Sale of VIP passes, irregularities in purchase of first-aid boxes and medical items, 'danpatra' (donation box) and hiring of various equipment for the mega sporting event by former chairman of the OC Suresh Kalmadi were also being probed, the CVC said in response to an RTI query filed by agencies.

Of the total, a maximum of 24 are related to Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, 11 to Ministry of Urban Development, nine to the Organising Committee, three each to Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD), New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, among others.

One work each carried out by Ministry of Earth Sciences and Engineers India Limited (EIL) were also being investigated, the CVC said.

"(There is a) complaint regarding alleged irregularities in purchase of 4,000 air conditioners for DDA flats. It has been alleged that limited closed tender was being followed. The report has been received from the Delhi Development Authority and is under examination," it said.

The CVC said that matter pertaining to corruption and misappropriation in connection with CWG, 2010 was sent to the Chief Vigilance Officer, Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs for necessary action.

The Games, held in the national capital between October 3-14, 2010, were marred by allegations of corruption by certain government officials.

Taking note for allegations, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had in October 2010 announced establishment of a high-level committee (HLC) under the chairmanship of former Comptroller and Auditor General V.K. Shunglu to look into the allegations of corruption.

The HLC had submitted six reports pointing out acts of alleged omission and commission by officials and lack of oversight by the government. The report is being examined by a Group of Ministers headed by Defence Minister A.K. Antony.

"Allegations against Kalmadi and others (is regarding) hiring of various equipment more costly than that of their total cost. The Commission has decided to send it for necessary action to the CVO, MoYS," the reply said.

The CVC has referred five cases to the CBI for further investigation. There were complaints of alleged irregularities in the appointment of R.K. Sacheti, Joint Director General (OC) as he was 'not qualified' for the job.

Based on the report received from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, "the Commission has decided to forward the matter to the CBI for investigation," the reply said.

The anti-corruption watchdog has closed investigation into four cases of alleged corruption related to the Games, the reply said.