Commonwealth OC suspends 3 officials terminates contract with SMAM
merisarkar news service
New Delhi, August 05, 2010
The Organising Committee of the Commonwealth Games has suspended its three senior officials - T.S Darbari, Sanjay Mehandroo and M Jaichandran for their alleged involvement in financial irregularities during Queen's Baton Relay in London.
Organising Committee Secretary General Lalit Bhanot told media in New Delhi on Thursday that the services of these three officials have been suspended.
He also informed the media that the contract with the Australian firm SMAM has also been terminated because of non performance. He said, the Company was expected to get sponsorship to the tune of 122 million US dollars but failed to meet the target.
Mr. Bhanot said, the Committee has also written to the Central Vigilance Commission to look into the overlay for the games. He said, anyone found involved in any irregularity will not be spared. Mr. Bhanot said, the Organising Committee will ensure transparency in its operations and it is ready to face inquiry by any agency.
Meanwhile, AK Mattoo has taken over as the Treasurer from Anil Khanna, who resigned on Thursday after the news of his son Aditya Khanna’s involvement with a contract with a game project came to surface.
Mr. Mattoo who was also present at the press conference said that he will try his level best to ensure the success of the games.
While, the issue of commonwealth games was taken up in the Rajya Sabha yesterday with the Government assuring the house that anyone found involved in corrupt practices concerning Commonwealth Games projects will not be spared. Replying to supplementaries in the House, Sports Minister, MS Gill said all efforts are being made to ensure successful completion of projects for the mega-event.
