CWG scam: Suresh Kalmadi bail hearing today

A Delhi court will hear the bail plea of sacked Commonwealth Games (CWG) Organising Committee (OC) Suresh Kalmadi, in connection with the financial irregularities during the mega event.

The Patiala House Court will hear his bail application on Thursday.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday chargesheeted Kalmadi and eight others in connection with time scoring scam during the mega event.

Kalmadi has been charged under Indian Penal Code sections 120(b) (criminal conspiracy), 420 (cheating) and Section 13 of Prevention of Corruption Act (for giving bribe).

Besides Kalmadi, in its 60-page chargesheet, the CBI named the then OC officials – Secretary General Lalit Bhanot, Director General V K Verma, Deputy Director General (procurement) Surjeet Lal, beneficiary company Swiss Timing and AKR Constructions.

So far, the CBI has registered 11 First Information Reports (FIRs) in cases related to the scam.

On May 18, the Patiala House Court extended judicial custody of Kalmadi till June 1.

The court also extended judicial custody of OC Joint Director General (Sports) ASV Prasad and OC Deputy Director General (Procurement) Surjit Lal till June 1.

He was taken back to Tihar Central Jail after the hearing.

Kalmadi was ordered police custody by the court on Apr 26 after he was charged for one of several financial swindles that he is believed to have masterminded.

Kalmadi was arrested by the CBI on Apr 25 for allegedly awarding Timing, Scoring and Result (TSR) contract for the mega event to Swiss company- Swiss Timing- at an inflated rate of Rs 141 crore in a “pre-meditated” manner.

Through his inflated contracts, Kalmadi allegedly tripled the cost of the event to nearly $6 billion and embarrassed India before the entire world in the run up to the Games owing to shabby preparations.

The Games however concluded without any major hitch and Indian athletes brought several accolades to the nation.