CWG official quizzed by ED over baton run

NEW DELHI: V K Verma, director general of the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee (OC), on Wednesday was grilled by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) regarding the controversial deals executed in London for the Queen's Baton Relay (QBR) last year. Sources said Verma appeared before the ED officials before lunch, armed with official files of the contracts executed in London.
ED officials asked Verma to explain OC's entire financial dealings with A M Films, which was given the contract for outdoor screens and other display work without a proper competitive tender.
Some TV reports suggested that Verma might be willing to turn "approver" in the case. OC officials, however, said that Verma was not an accused in the case and did not directly deal with it. Verma would have been privy to the transaction as a member of the executive board.
The ED has already registered a case under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) in the A M Films case. The agency has also questioned suspended joint director general of OC, T S Darbari.
The contract came under scanner after British authorities referred the case to the Indian High Commission in London regarding huge money transfers through the Royal Bank of Scotland to A M Films.
The Organizing Committee had suspended Darbari, deputy director general Sanjay Mohindroo and joint director general (accounts and finance) M Jeychandran on August 5 for their alleged role in the QBR.