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

New Delhi, Jan 17 (PTI) M Jayachandran, a close aide of
Commonwealth Games Organising Committee Chairman Suresh
Kalmadi, on Monday told the Delhi High Court that he had no
role in alleged bunglings in Queen Baton's relay (QBR) held in
London in 2009.
"I had no role which can be termed as a criminal act in
the alleged financial irregularities in the QBR," the
counsel for Jayachandran told a bench of Justice Hima Kohli.
Jayachandran, a joint director (finance) in CWG OC who
was arrested on November 21, has moved a bail application.
Co-accused T S Darbari and Sanjay Mahendroo, who were
arrested on November 15, have already been granted bail on
statutory grounds as CBI failed to file the chargesheet in
the case within stipulated 60 days time.
During the hearing, Jayachandran's counsel said the
decision to award the contract in holding QBR was taken by the
OC.
"I have to only see as to whether the contracts were
duly approved or not. I had no other role," he said.
The counsel for CBI, however, opposed the plea and filed
some documents to buttress the allegation that the accused had
an active role in the case.
The court has posted the matter for further hearing on
January 19.
Jayachandran, like two co-accused, could also be
entitled to bail on statutory ground if India's premier
investigative agency, CBI fails to file the chargesheet
against him by January 20.
The three accused are facing charges of causing losses
to the exchequer in award of contract to the tune of Rs 1.55
crore with regard to the QBR on October 29, 2009, in London
before the mega sporting event.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered
two cases in connection with contracts awarded to London-based
A M Films and AM Car and Van Hire Limited at exorbitant rates.