UK government follows CWG cash trail

LONDON: The Indian High Commission has alerted the Union government about investigations launched by UK authorities into cash transfers of Pounds 2,47,469 (approx Rs 1.68 crore) in October 2009 from the Commonwealth Games Organizing Committee (OC) to a UK-based company, AM Films UK Ltd.

The money was transferred in lieu of services obtained from the UK company during the Queen's Baton Relay function in London in October last year. The British Revenue and Customs Department has now written to the Indian High Commission, saying there are discrepancies in the payment of this money by the OC.

The UK government has stated that apart from Pounds 2,47,469, a figure of Pounds 25,000 (Rs 17 lakh) is being transferred every month into the account of UK-based AM Films. A rough estimate reveals that nearly Pounds 4,50,000 (Rs 3.06 crore) has been transferred to AM Films until now.

A visit by TIMES NOW to the premises of AM Films UK Ltd in London showed that the company on location was AM Vehicles Hire Ltd. Further, Ashish Patel, the director, had since resigned from the company on July 14, 2010. The details of the investigations are now being tracked by ED.

Documents with TIMES NOW show that the deal came to light when the OC asked for a VAT refund of Pounds 14,000 in March this year for payments to AM Films. The deal's scrutiny led to the Revenue & Customs Criminal Investigation Team pointing out loopholes in the contract awarded to AM Films.

In a letter dated June 7 to the Indian High Commissioner Nalin Surie, Meera Rajah of Revenue & Customs said there was no written contract between the CWG and the UK-based AM Films, no tendering procedure was followed, and no paperwork regarding the contract was done.

A release issued by OC secretary-general Lalit K Bhanot stated, "The OC firmly refutes allegations of financial irregularities with relation to the launch of the Queen's Baton Relay...we have followed due diligence in making all payments, getting the clearances from the Executive Board and from Reserve Bank of India for incurring the expenditure in foreign currency. All remittances happened against this clearance."

Chief minister Sheila Dikshit tersely told TV channels, "We will look into the matter."

The discrepancies show that while OC states that it transferred Pounds 2,47,469 to account no. 22701021 (Sort Code 151000) with Royal Bank of Scotland for video equipment purchased, AM Films has claimed that it provided services of "car hire, make-shift toilets, barriers and electricity". The differing versions and investigations of lack of procedures, raised the alarm. British officials also met Indian High Commission officials on June 14.

India's Deputy High Commissioner in London R N Prasad's letter (dated June 14), a copy of which is with TIMES NOW, to the sports ministry and the MEA seeks advice on the reply to be given to the UK government. This letter and its details are now with ED, which launched investigations into the deal on July 21.

The question raised by UK authorities is whether AM Films, which is supposed to have supplied video equipment, but which supplied cars for rentals as per its own admission, is now providing consultancy for costume designing for which it is receiving Pounds 25,000 per month.

An internal note on June 14 by Rahul Srivastava, first secretary in the high commission in London, states that AM Films is a one-man company owned by Ashish Patel, aka Ash Patel, who has been introduced to T S Darbari and Sanjay Mahendroo of the OC.

Darbari, director, corporate strategy in the Organizing Committee (OC), was recently suspended after a Customs complaint in India but was reinstated after the intervention of OC chairman Suresh Kalmadi through a letter written to Union sports minister M S Gill on April 29, 2010. With the CVC spotlight on CWG deals, the latest disclosures are likely to add to the discomfiture of the CWG brass.

TOI

Sorry for skipping CWG: Bolt to India

JAIPUR: Usain Bolt on Thursday apologised to Indian fans for his decision to skip the forthcoming Commonwealth Games. In an exclusive interview to TOI, world's best sprinter, and perhaps the greatest ever, also hoped that he would one day be able to make up for it.

"Sorry that I can't make it this time. Hope to see you in the future," Bolt said in a message to the Indian fans, in reply to a query from TOI.

Bolt, who holds the world record in 100m as well as 200m, was expected to be part of the Jamaican squad for the New Delhi Commonwealth Games set to be held in October.

His name was also included in the initial list of the Jamaican squad. However, his agent made it clear some days ago that Bolt would give Delhi Games a skip.

Bolt said in his latest interview to TOI on Thursday: "It would have been nice as I haven't competed in the Commonwealth Games before but the timing was wrong for me."

TOI

Excerpts from the interview:

What is the current status of your Achilles tendon injury?

It is much better now, almost healed. It is not bothering me at all at the moment and should be perfectly fine soon.

You weren't very happy with your recent race in Paris GP. Which aspect bothered you?

Actually I was quite happy with the fact that I had won it. However, I found that my strength was down due to missed training and that was a matter of concern. But then I am now trying to catch up and I hope by my next race, I would have corrected that.

Justin Gatlin is set to return next month. What do you expect from him?

To tell you the truth, I have no idea as I do not know how he has been training.

The Commonwealth Games in New Delhi was never in your focus, yet is there any disappointment in missing it?

It would have been really nice as I haven't competed in the Commonwealth Games before but the timing was all wrong for me as I need to get ready for the World Championships in 2011 and Olympic Games in 2012. Those two events are very important and all athletes focus on them. It is crucial that we remain in peak shape for them.

Was there any pressure on you to participate in the Commonwealth Games?

No, I wouldn't say there was any pressure. In fact, I wasn't thinking about it. It was up to my coach to make the decision based on what is best for my career. I am sure he made the right decision.

Indian fans are very disappointed that you won't be coming.

I am really sorry that I can't make it this time. As I said, it would have been really nice and I do hope to see you in the future.

What timings are you looking at before the season gets over?

I am confirmed in 3 races as of now - Stockholm, Zurich and Brussels. There will be good competition in all these races and I do hope to have some good timings.

Are you satisfied with the way the season has shaped up so far?

Yes, I think so. My aim before the season was to go through it unbeaten and so far I have managed to keep it that way. It has been good.

You are likely to face Tyson Gay and Asafa Powell in Stockholm. How important is that race?

It will be a good race. It will be the first time this year that all three of us will run together in the same race. The competition will be good and each one of us will be tested.

You are a passionate follower of cricket. How would you compare Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting and Brian Lara?

They each bring different styles to the game and each are masters of their specific craft. They have helped to keep cricket popular, especially in their respective regions.

Would you be willing to visit India for some competition at a later date?

Absolutely. I do hope I get to visit India one day in the near future.

Govt not to fix responsibility for CWG 2010 delays

STAFF WRITER 15:57 HRS IST

New Delhi, Jul 27 (PTI) The delay in infrastructure construction which marred the build-up to the Commonwealth Games may have irked many and dented India's international reputation but the government does not plan to fix any responsibility for it.

The delays have led to a situation where work is being done at break-neck pace to ensure completion of the venues and other infrastructure.

Asked whether there would be any accountability for it in the Lok Sabha today, Minister of State for Sports Pratik Prakashbapu Patil merely said,"No, madam."

The government does, however, plan to maintain a vigil over the construction work being carried out for the October 3 to 14 event.

"The works of the Commonwealth games are being intensively monitored at various levels of the government," Patil said.

"Most of the sports-related projects related to the Commonwealth games have been completed.

Bindra, Saina among 6 brand ambassadors for Commonwealth Games

NEW DELHI: Olympic gold medallist shooter Abhinav Bindra, ace shuttler Saina Nehwal and boxing hero Vijender Singh are among the half a dozen sportspersons who were on Tuesday named brand ambassadors for this year's Commonwealth Games.

Best athlete of the 2006 Commonwealth Games Samaresh Jung, Olympic bronze medallist wrestler Sushil Kumar and four-time world champion woman boxer M C Mary Kom are the other three brand ambassadors for Delhi 2010.

The six would be the faces of the Games to be held from October 3 to 14.

"These champions have done India proud with their achievements and will serve as remarkable Brand Ambassadors for the Games," Commonwealth Games Organising Committee Chairman Suresh Kalmadi said at the inaugurations of the event's main venue Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

"Their passion, personality, and presence as well as their amazing pursuit of excellence truly reflect the vision of the Organising Committee. Their focus, mental strength and resilience make them role models, inspiring generations of Indians not just with their achievements but also with their work ethic, discipline and determination.

"It ties up with the ideals of the Organising Committee and I am sure these champions will inspire Indians to back the Commonwealth Games and take to Olympic sport," he added.

The 27-year-old Bindra won top honours in the 10m air rifle event at the ISSF World Shooting Championship in Zagreb in 2006 and became the first Indian to clinch an individual gold medal at the Olympics.

He has also won two gold, a silver and a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games in Manchester and Melbourne.

Barely 20, Saina began with a quarterfinal appearance at the Olympic Games and has since won three Super Series crowns in the past 12 months.

Air pistol expert Jung, 40, has won seven gold medals, three silver and a bronze in the last two editions of the Commonwealth Games in Manchester and Melbourne. His haul of five gold, a silver and a bronze in 2006 saw him being named for the David Dixon Award for the best athlete of the Games.

Before his middle weight category bronze in the Olympic Games, the 24-year-old Vijender won a silver in the Melbourne Commonwealth Games as well as bronze medals in the Asian Games at Doha in 2006. Last year, he became the first Indian boxer to clinch a medal at the World Amateur Championship by managing a bronze in Milan.

Sushil, 27, won the bronze medal at the Olympic Games in 2008 and is a two-time bronze medal winner at the Asian Wrestling Championships in 2003 and 2008. He also has three gold medals at the Commonwealth Wrestling Championship in 2003, 2005 and 2007.

Besides winning the World Championship crowns in 2002, 2005, 2006 and 2008, Mary Kom, 27, has claimed the Asian Championship as many as three times.

Having come back to the ring as a mother of twins, she is has been named the face of women's boxing by the International Boxing Association.

"We are at the cusp of staging the biggest sporting celebrations ever in India and I am confident that this squad of six Brand Ambassadors will find universal appeal across the nation. I believe that they will lend their charisma to ensure that the Games are a huge draw with the people," Kalmadi said.

TOI

Kalmadi calls Aiyar's remark against Games 'anti-naional'

NEW DELHI: Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi on Tuesday hit back at former sports minister Mani Shankar Aiyar for his scathing criticism of the upcoming event, saying the senior Congress leader's comments are "irresponsible" and "anti-national".

Aiyar today said he would be "unhappy" if the Commonwealth Games were a success and that only "evil" will patronise them.

Reacting to the statement, Kalmadi said, "No individual can spoil the Games. It is totally irresponsible and ridiculous statement from such a senior person, who has also headed the sports ministry earlier. No Indian national can speak like that.

"With the Commonwealth Games fast approaching, he should know his responsibilities and think before making such a statement. He is an elected member of Rajya Sabha and it is totally an anti-national statement from him.

"It was because of his openness that he was removed from the Sport Minister's post. If he would have been the minister, the Commonwealth Games would never have come to India," Kalmadi said.

Earlier in the day, Aiyar criticised the money being spent for the October mega-event and said he would be unhappy if the Games are a success.

"I am delighted in a way because rains are causing difficulties for the Commonwealth Games. Basically, I will be very unhappy, if the Games are successful because then they will start bringing Asian Games, Olympic Games and all these," he had told reporters outside Parliament House.
TOI

Games to run on Tata Motors vehicles

NEW DELHI: Tata Motors has struck a barter sponsorship deal wherein it will provide 1,800 new cars to organisers of Commonwealth Games to ferry athletes in lieu of its advertisements as a logistics solutions sponsor for the 12-day sporting event.

In a unique arrangement with the Commonwealth Games Committee it would provide these vehicles in exchange for association with the event and will take them back after the sporting event ends.

The cost of these vehicles is expected to in the range of Rs 140-150 crore. However, they will be sold after the sporting event through its used car business ‘Tata Motors Assured’. The value of the nearly fresh vehicles may depreciate by around 20% that could mean Tata Motors is getting the logistics sponsors rights for around Rs 30 crore.

Tata Motors refused to comment on the broader contours of the deal: “We are supplying these vehicles for advertisement benefits and would not like to disclose the commercial implication of the entire deal,” the Tata Motors spokesman said.

Tata Motors will supply 1,600 cars (Indica and Indigo) besides 100 Sumo Grandes and 50 Safaris from its sports utility vehicle stable. It will also supply 20 Wingers besides 30 trucks for the movement of players and organisers. Tata Motors is also providing complete transport solution to the ongoing Queen’s Baton Relay, with its flagship SUV Land Rover Discovery 4, Sumo Grandes and other vehicles being utilised for the country-wide event.

Other auto companies like Maruti Suzuki, Mahindra & Mahindra and Toyota Kirloskar were also in the fray to supply vehicles but failed to get any supply contracts, as per the spokesman for the organising committee.

Meanwhile, luxury car maker Mercedes-Benz is also expected to provide around 50 vehicles—a mix of sedans and SUVs — for the Games that would be utilised for the movement of dignitaries and other important functionaries. The deal is yet to be finalised and company executives said that they are evaluating options for the games.

“The exact quantum of the deal would be determined by the class of vehicles that would be taken by the organisers. A final decision on the deal has not been taken yet,” a senior Mercedes-Benz India executive said.

ET

CM tells agencies to work through night at CWG sites

STAFF WRITER 18:56 HRS IST

New Delhi, Jul 23 (PTI) With pressure mounting on the Delhi government to complete Commonwealth Games' projects, a jittery Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today ordered agencies concerned to work through the night to finish work at the sites on time.

At a high-level meeting, Dikshit told PWD, MCD, NDMC, DJB and several other agencies to deploy workforce during the night also to complete the projects before the final deadline of August 31.

"I have instructed agencies to work during night also where ever it is necessary. We have already obtained permission from police for that," Dikshit said after the meeting.

Other officials attending the meeting said, Dikshit directed all the agencies to "work very hard" and strictly meet the final deadline.

Commonwealth Games: Only 6 Village towers ready

NEW DELHI: It's not just the Delhi government facing a manpower crunch for completion of projects related to the Commonwealth Games 2010. Lack of adequate manpower has also had an impact on the work at the Commonwealth Games Village.

According to sources, ITDC, which has been entrusted with the task of furnishing the 34 towers at the Village, has managed to furnish only about six till date. The reason is reportedly lack of adequate labour force. The handover of the Village to the Organising Committee takes place on August 1.

Said a senior official, "The agreement with ITDC was that furnishing of the towers would be completed in three weeks from the day they were handed over to them by the venue owners, in this case, the Delhi Development Authority.'' The handover took place a fortnight ago, claimed DDA officials.

However, less than 10 towers have been furnished till date a fact that has sent distress signals in government circles. Said a senior official, "Of the three weeks that ITDC was supposed to take to finish furnishing the flats, more than a week has gone by. The 1,100-odd flats are now expected to be ready only by August 25.''

ITDC officials, meanwhile, refused to comment on the reason for the delay. PRO, Manjula Arun, directed queries to the ITDC chairman, Lalit Pawar, who was unavailable for comment despite repeated attempts.

Sources, however, admit that the reason behind the delay is the lack of manpower. "The work is progressing at a slow pace because enough labour is not available. It's a long process as furnishings like television sets, refrigerators, furniture and decoration pieces have to be unwrapped, put together and set up in every room. It requires a lot of manpower.''

The lack of manpower, in fact, had prompted the L-G, Tejendra Khanna, to visit the Village site on July 20, and ask for augmentation of manpower at the site to enable completion by July 31. It wasn't the first such visit by the L-G. Said Ranjan Mukherjee, OSD to the L-G, "The L-G has been visiting the Village regularly so that preparations get a fillip. The impact is visible: The developers have handed over more than 20 towers to DDA till date, and the rest will be done over the next week.''

DDA officials, meanwhile, say the process to hand over the towers to ITDC for furnishing began in early July. Said a senior DDA official, "The first tower was handed over more than a fortnight ago. We have been handing over the rest as and when we got them from the developers.''

Sources confirmed that some items were still to be received from China, from where ITDC is sourcing them.

TOI

Delhi to get 50 luxury public toilets before Games

Delhi to get 50 luxury public toilets before Games

NEW DELHI: After getting a clearance from the Delhi high court, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is gearing up to construct 50 luxury pay-and-use public toilets in the capital before the Commonwealth Games, an official said on Wednesday.

"Initially, we planned to build 218 five-star toilets in the city, but with the legal hurdles being solved only in the second week of July, we have little time to build so many before the Games in October. So, we will be building 50 toilets,'' a senior MCD official.

The project for pay-and-use toilets was floated last September but was held up due to litigation. The cost of constructing one toilet block is estimated to be around Rs 1 crore.

On Tuesday, Justice R S Endlaw dismissed a petition by a businessman, from Greater Kailash-I, opposing the civic agency's move to acquire 1,200 square feet in N-block market for building air-conditioned toilets.