71 CWG-related works under CVC scanner for alleged graft

Expanding its net, the Central Vigilance Commission is looking into alleged irregularities in the execution of 71 Commonwealth Games-related projects worth several crores by government civic and construction agencies.

Of the 71 projects, 23 related to Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, 14 by Organising Committee, nine by Delhi Development Authority and six by Central Public Works Department among others, the anti-corruption watchdog said in reply to a recent RTI query filed by PTI.

Besides, four works carried out by Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD), three each by Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and two projects done by New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) were being investigated by the CVC.

According to the RTI reply, the CVC has referred five cases of alleged criminal conspiracy and corruption by government officials to CBI for further probe. Besides, the Commission has closed investigations in two other cases related to the Games.

Whereas, one work each related to Delhi Police, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Sports Authority of India, Urban Development Ministry, MTNL, Central Institute of Road Transport and RITES, a Government of India enterprise were also enquired by the Commission, an year after the sporting extravaganza held in the national capital.

The 71 cases exclude 26 cases worth Rs 3,316.58 crore being probed by the CVC. Of the 26 projects, six were done by Public Works Department, five by OC, four by MCD, three each by NDMC and CPWD, two each by DDA, India Tourism Development Corporation and one by RITES.

"Irregularity in appointment of RK Sacheti, Joint Director General without proper education or professional qualification to hold this kind of high responsibility.

"Report received from the Chief Vigilance Officer, Ministry of Youth Affairs and after examination the Commission has decided to forward the matter to CBI for investigation and report, which is awaited," the CVC said.

The matter being investigated by the Commission includes alleged financial and managerial irregularities in Games telecasting rights, construction of stadia, procurement of secure communication network (Tetra), tender process, sale of VIP passes, lapses in managing 'Danpatra' kept in CWG 2010 and supply of sub-standard food packets to Delhi Police staff among others.

"A complaint regarding irregularities in purchase of 34 different medical items for CWG by Delhi Health Services, Govt of NCT of Delhi, purchase of items from different sellers at highly inflated prices has been alleged. Investigation report has been called from Govt of NCT of Delhi, which is still awaited," it said.

According to the reply, irregularities in sponsorship contract with M/s Smile International for mobile and information services have been found. "The Commission has forwarded the matter to the CBI for investigation and report, which is awaited," it read.

Other than CVC, CBI and Enforcement Directorate are also looking into various complaints of graft and violations of government norms.

Sacked Organising Committee chief Suresh Kalmadi and Secretary General Lalit Bhanot among others are lodged in Tihar Jail for their alleged involvement in malpractices in conduct of the sporting event held here between October 3-14 last year.