Suresh Kalmadi quizzed by Jharkhand vigilance bureau in National Games scam

Ranchi, Nov 10: Former Indian Olympic Association president Suresh Kalmadi was today quizzed as a witness by Jharkhand Vigilance Bureau in connection with alleged irregularities in the purchase of equipment for the 2012 National Games held here.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (Vigilance) Anand Joseph Tigga said a questionnaire was given to Kalmadi, and he replied in writing.

Additional Director General of Police (Vigilance) Niraj Sinha said Kalmadi was summoned for questioning under CrPC 160 (police officer's power to require attendance of witnesses). Another senior police officer of the bureau said Kalmadi may have to be summoned again as he took some names, "which requires confronting him with them". He said Kalmadi was the president of Indian Olympic Association when the Games were organised in Ranchi and had been accorded state minister's status.

Kalmadi, who remained from 12.15 pm to around 2.30 pm at the Vigilance Bureau, said he answered whatever the officials asked. On October 14, the bureau had arrested the Organising Committee Chairman of the 34th National Games S M Hashmi and former Sports Director P C Mishra in connection with the case. Hashmi and Mishra are in judicial custody now.

The Vigilance Bureau is investigating the scam pertaining to alleged financial irregularities in the purchase of equipment and other expenditure incurred to host the 2012 games in Jharkhand.

PTI