The CBI is all set to question certain advisers and consultants appointed by the Organising Committee (OC) of the Commonwealth Games (CWG) following allegations of irregularities in their appointments.
According to sources, appointment of at least 45 consultants is under scanner of the CBI. Initial probe by the agency has revealed that the OC did not even sign “appointment contracts” with 45 consultants, sources added. The OC had hired total 108 consultants/advisers for the games.
“The CBI is investigating to ascertain the circumstances under which they were appointed. The probe has revealed that the advisers/consultants, though being paid a hefty sum every month or on every visit, did not even submit monthly reports to the OC. The agency will soon register a fresh FIR in this regard,” sources added.
Probe has revealed that OC made monthly payments of `1 lakh to at least 14 of the 45 advisers, who dealt with areas like hospitality, ticketing, Web designing and media and uniform and communication, sources said. Besides, all advisers were paid an additional amount of at least `40,000 per month towards conveyance charges.
“The agency is also probing the role of certain former OC members in appointment of these consultants. If required the agency may question them in this connection. Role of former chairman of the OC, Mr Suresh Kalmadi, in the appointment of these consultants is also under the scanner of the CBI,” sources said.
The agency is also expected to register fresh FIRs in connection with alleged irregularities committed in awarding catering and sponsorship contracts, sources added.
The catering contract, signed by the OC with the Delaware North (Australia), worth `66.59 crores, is under the scanner of the CBI, the sources said.