Yet to hear from CBI: Suresh Kalmadi

New Delhi: Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chief Suresh Kalmadi on Tuesday said he has not yet heard from the CBI after he informed the agency last month that he was ready to appear before it in connection with the probe into alleged irregularities in the conduct of the event.

"I am yet to hear from the CBI. As and when I am informed, I will be available. I am extending full cooperation to all investigating agencies," Kalmadi told PTI.

The CBI had late last month contacted Kalmadi over phone asking him to appear before it for questioning but the OC chief had said he will be available after January 3.

CBI official said Kalmadi will be asked questions about certain contracts given to foreign firms for carrying out overlays work, alleged misappropriation of funds meant for various activities and Queen's Baton Relay held in London in 2008 among other things.

The sleuths have grilled Kalmadi's three key aides in connection with the scam. Sources said Manoj Bhori, political advisor to OC head, PK Srivastava and AK Sinha, both assistants to Kalmadi, were also called in for interrogation.

The CBI had earlier conducted raids at the residences of Kalmadi, OC Secretary General Lalit Bhanot, R K Sacheti, who is Joint Director General of the OC, and Sangeeta Welingkar, member of the Games Image and Look Group.

The agency has so far filed three FIRs in connection with the alleged financial irregularities.

While one case is related to a Rs 107 crore deal struck with a Swiss score keeping firm, the CBI had registered two other FIRs in connection with the contract given to AM Films for the Baton Relay ceremonies by the OC in London.

CBI officials had on Monday visited the Games OC office in New Delhi and questioned some officials. Besides they had seized certain documents related to QBR and other contracts with various firms.

The CBI has decided to approach the Sports Ministry to seek removal of Kalmadi and Bhanot from their posts citing failure of certain junior OC officials to cooperate with it which, it claimed, was hampering the probe.