Former CAG to probe Commonwealth charges
A panel headed by a former Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) would probe the organizing of the just-concluded Commonwealth Games amid indications that heads might roll if the corruption charges were proved.
According to media reports, the Prime Minister’s Office has confirmed that former CAG V K Shungloo will head the probe panel and submit its report within three months.
Reports said another government probe would also be ordered into the corruption charges.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said the probes should not be symbolic.
A Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audit would also start in the Games.
While the Games concluded successfully and without any untoward incident and the foreign guests departed with a feel-good taste of Indian culture and hospitality, the shame the country was subjected to ahead of the Games was not forgotten.
According to an NDTV report, the Government agencies involving CBI, Enforcement Directorate(ED) and the Income Tax department might probe into the corruption charges.
In August, a CAG interim report had castigated the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee (OC) on various counts.
The interim report said that there were serious lapses in the way companies were chosen to handle broadcast rights and sponsorship rights.
It also said that by selecting Fast Track Sales of London to handle the broadcast rights, the CGOC lost Rs. 24 crore in revenue.
On SMAM, the Australian company hired to bring in international advertisers and sponsors, the CAG report pointed out that four companies wanted to apply, but only one bid that of Sports Marketing and Management Agency (SMAM) was considered.
The OC had, however, refuted the charges.
Earlier in the day, External Affairs Minister, SM Krishna said the probe would be carried out as assured earlier by the government.
“Natural corollary will be that success of Games is one part of the story. Another part of the story is we have learnt lessons,? Krishna said, adding that “whatever has been said, I think government will follow it up.”
The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has also reminded the ruling regime of its promise to conduct a probe and nail those allegedly involved in corruption.