CVC okays closure of 12 CWG corruption related cases

COMMONWEALTH1NEW DELHI: As many as 12 cases of alleged graft in Commonwealth Games related projects carried out by various government departments have been closed following months of investigation by the Central Vigilance Commission.

The 2010 Commonwealth Games, officially known as the XIX Commonwealth Games, were held in India from October 3 to 14 in the year 2010.

The cases in which closure reports have been filed includes procurement of about Rs 100 crore secure communication network ‘Tetra’ and contract for upgradation of houses constructed in Vasant Kunj among others.

The inquiry in procurement of Tetra ‘secure communication network for Commonwealth Games 2010’ (on complaint from Dr Harsh Vardhan) was carried out. “The Commission has closed the matter,” the CVC said in an RTI reply.

Whereas, complaint related to alleged irregularities in construction of roads, sewer, etc causing of loss of Rs 50 crore was also closed by the anti-corruption watchdog, the reply said.

“On payment to the contractor and low quality work at Archery and TT stadium at Yamuna Sports Complex, it is alleged that 600-1000 per cent over payment has been made. Report received from Delhi Development Authority recommending closure of the complaint. The Commission noted the position as brought out by DDA,” it said.

Of the total of 53 CWG graft cases examined by the CVC, 28 were still in different stages of investigation, 13 were sent to CBI for further investigation and 12 were closed.

In one of the matters, the CVC was carrying out a direct investigation against A K Jain, former Member (Finance), Prasar Bharti.

The projects, investigated by CVC among other probe agencies, were related to the conduct of the mega sporting extravaganza held here between October 3-14, 2010.

The Commission had received a complaint alleging large scale corruption and misuse of government money by a top official of India Trade Promotion Organization for upgradation of facilities at Pragati Maidan for organizing the Games then.

“It was also alleged that rules have been violated in construction of the food court, purchase of equipments and accessories for media centre and procurement of security related gadgets etc. The Commission has forwarded the complaint to the Department of Commerce for investigation and submission of a report.

“Department of Commerce has submitted its report recommending closure of the case and after examining the same the Commission has asked the Chief Vigilance Officer, ITPO to upload data pertaining to contracts executed for upgradation of facilities at Pragati Maidan,” the reply said.

On the other hand, the cases related to alleged corruption in CWG Organizing Committee, irregularities in construction of under bridge at Sewa Nagar railway crossing at the cost of Rs 23 crore and embezzlement of Rs 1.5 crore in purchase of Hova Courts for badminton stadium by non-tendering were being looked into by the Commission.

Besides this, a complaint of irregularity in appointment of R K Sacheti, Joint Director General without proper qualification to hold this kind of high responsibility was received. “Matter is under investigation by CBI,” it said.

The matters related to allegations of Rs two crore bribe to former CWG OC head Suresh Kalmadi by a private firm to get a contract and illegal construction of 28 studio apartments inside CWG village by Emaar-MGF without seeking DDA’s permission was also being investigated by the CBI, the CVC said.

“The complaints received from various sources, relating to Commonwealth games, 2010 are being forwarded to the organizations concerned either for their comments or for investigation report or for necessary action, as the case may be,” the probity watchdog said in the reply.

Taking note of alleged irregularities, 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 Defense Minister A K Antony. -PTI