The Central probe agencies are concerned over Organising Committee (OC) of the Commonwealth Games-2010 continuing with its exercise to relieve people and also dispose of various items it had procured on rent or bought from various companies during the Games.
Sources in the agencies said that there was arbitrariness in the manner in which people were being relieved. This has made probe agencies apprehensive as they suspect that some people crucial to the investigations may also be relieved in the process.
According to sources, the OC has relieved nearly 600 to 700 of its personnel out of a 1,500-odd strong team till October 31.
Further, another 400 are expected to be relieved by November end and, by December 31, at least 250 more personnel and middle level officers may be relieved. Thus, in the next couple of months, only 200 to 250 personnel, along with 64 top ranking officials, who had come to the OC on deputation from the Government of India, will remain, sources said.
“There is a possibility that some of the OC officials who have been relieved, might be directly linked to the contracts that are under the scanner of the central agencies. Probe officials are analysing the situation and keeping a close eye on the developments”, sources said.
A section of OC officials who have either been relieved or are in the process might have played crucial role in awarding of contracts to certain companies which are being investigated, sources added. If required, probe officials may ask for the details of the officials who have been relieved from the OC, sources said.
With reports about OC trying to auction various items like the kitchen equipment and computers, the probe agencies are also worried that material evidence may be lost in the process, which may adversely impact the probe.
“There are reports that certain items which had been purchased or hired by the OC are being auctioned. Probe agencies have not even collected material evidence from the OC building so far. The process of auctioning will affect investigation,” sources said.