Probe into CWG corruption charges soon: Lalit Bhanot

New Delhi, Oct 13 (IANS) Investigations into corruption charges in the Commonwealth Games will start as soon as the sporting event gets over, Commonwealth Games Organising Committee (CGOC) secretary general Lalit Bhanot said here Wednesday.

“Immediately after the Games get over, the investigation into graft charges will start,” Bhanot told reporters here.

The CGOC is alleged to have paid AM Films, an Indian-owned firm in London, over 450,000 pounds (over Rs.30 million) for services during last year’s Queen’s Baton Relay inaugural without proper tendering and paperwork.

Two aides of CGOC chief Suresh Kalmadi were suspended after an enquiry found that an e-mail from the Indian High Commission in London, on the basis of which the firm was hired, was tampered with.

This apart, CGOC treasurer Anil Khanna quit in the wake of allegations that his son’s firm was unduly favoured in ordering the synthetic turf for the tennis stadium for the Games.

Audit watchdog Comptroller and Auditor General of India has also commented adversely on the cost overruns for the stadia being built or refurbished for the Games.

The closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games will be held Thursday.

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