Eye on Kalmadi, CBI questions Bhanot on scam

NEW DELHI: In an attempt to corner organising committee (OC) chairman Suresh Kalmadi, the CBI on Thursday questioned Lalit Bhanot, secretary general of OC, over reports that documents pertaining to the functioning of the OC had been burnt by officials. Bhanot, who is also accused in one of the cases, was quizzed for nearly two hours.
Bhanot’s questioning is likely to throw light on details about Kalmadi’s role in bungling of funds.Sources said that the CBI is trying to build its case around Kalmadi with the help of Bhanot. Another accused in the case, director general V K Verma, who has been booked along with Bhanot, is also likely to be called for questioning by the CBI.
The agency is also planning to question Kalmadi and 22 others who were part of the empowered committee. All five senior OC officials who are being investigated by CBI have implicated Kalmadi in their statements.
Refusing to elaborate on Bhanot’s questioning, a senior official of CBI said, ‘‘ We called Bhanot for questioning as there was clarification required about the documents which were seized. He was cooperative and answered all doubts raised by our officers. He may again be called. We have also asked the OC for documents related to the case registered by us. So far, they have not supplied the documents and have been evasive.’’
Officials added that there were reports that several documents have been destroyed. ‘‘ We are awaiting their response and in case the documents are not furnished, the CBI might register a case of destruction of evidence against OC officials. During the raids conducted in November , the CBI had found some documents while others are still required to be supplied by the OC. It seems these documents have been destroyed,’’ added the officer.
The agency has so far registered three cases of corruption and cheating against senior OC officials. Bhanot was questioned in connection with Rs 107-crore scam in which he, along with Verma and Swiss Timings, have been accused of bending contract rules and favouring the Swiss firm.
The first two cases were registered on November 15 in Queen’s Baton Relay scam in which CBI has arrested sacked OC officials T S Darbari, Dr Sanjay Mohindroo and treasurer M Jeychandran. The owner of London-based A M cars and A M films, Ashish Patel, is also an accused. The third case registered by CBI pertains to the timing, scoring and result contract given to Swiss Timings for Rs 107 crore.