CWG scam case: Kalmadi''s aide claims innocence in HC

New Delhi, Jan 17 (PTI) M Jayachandran, a close aide ofCommonwealth Games Organising Committee Chairman SureshKalmadi, today told the Delhi High Court that he had no rolein alleged bunglings in Queen Baton''s relay (QBR) held inLondon in 2009.

"I had no role which can be termed as a criminal act inthe alleged financial irregularities in the QBR," thecounsel for Jayachandran told a bench of Justice Hima Kohli.

Jayachandran, a joint director (finance) in CWG OC whowas arrested on November 21, has moved a bail application.

Co-accused T S Darbari and Sanjay Mahendroo, who werearrested on November 15, have already been granted bail onstatutory grounds as CBI failed to file the chargesheet inthe case within stipulated 60 days time.

During the hearing, Jayachandran''s counsel said thedecision to award the contract in holding QBR was taken by theOC.

"I have to only see as to whether the contracts wereduly approved or not. I had no other role," he said.

The counsel for CBI, however, opposed the plea and filedsome documents to buttress the allegation that the accused hadan active role in the case.

The court has posted the matter for further hearing onJanuary 19.

Jayachandran, like two co-accused, could also beentitled to bail on statutory ground if CBI fails to file thechargesheet against him by January 20.

The three accused are facing charges of causing lossesto the exchequer in award of contract to the tune of Rs 1.55crore with regard to the QBR on October 29, 2009, in Londonbefore the mega sporting event.

CBI has registered two cases in connection withcontracts awarded to London-based A M Films and AM Car and VanHire Limited at exorbitant rates.