CWG scam: CBI charges Lalli, raids his premises

The Central Bureau of Investigation today filed a first information report (FIR) against suspended Prasar Bharati chief executive BS Lalli, who is accused of irregularities in the award of broadcasting rights for the Delhi Commonwealth Games.

The agency is also conducting raids at Lalli's house and office in connection with wheeling-dealing that allegedly resulted in a loss of Rs135 crore to the exchequer.

The CBI is also raiding the office of Zoom Communications and the residence of its owner, Wasim Dehlvi, in connection with the scam. Zoom Communication is an Indian company named in the CWG broadcast scam.

The move comes after the Information & Broadcasting ministry cleared the decks for the prosecution of Lalli, who faces allegations of corruption relating to broadcast rights given to UK-based firm SIS Live, which then sub-contracted to Zoom Communications.

Soon after getting clearance from the prime minister's office to initiate action against Lalli on the basis of the recommendations of the VK Shunglu committee appointed by the PMO to probe the scam, the CBI had written to the I&B ministry seeking permission to go ahead with criminal proceedings against him.

Prime minister Manmohan Singh, after receiving the Shunglu committee report, had directed that explanations be sought from Lalli. Though Lalli denied allegations of any wrongdoing, he was suspended.