CBI arrests another games panel member

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Sunday arrested the sacked treasurer of the Delhi Commonwealth Games, M Jeychandren, for his alleged role in the Queen's Baton Relay scam.

Jayachandran was arrested Sunday after several rounds of questioning. Searches were being carried out at his residence, a spokesman the CBI said. Laptops and documents have reportedly been seized from his office and residence.

The noose is seen to be tightening around organising committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi, as the latest action comes a week after police arrested two other former games committee members over alleged corruption in connection with the baton relay held last year in London.

Sacked organising committee joint director general T S Darbari and deputy director general Sanjay Mahendroo were arrested on 15 November after detectives raided their homes. The two are believed to have implicated Jayachandran.

The CBI said the two handed out contracts at "exorbitant rates" to two London-based private firms for providing transport services and video screens for the event held in London. It has slapped charges of forgery, criminal conspiracy and corruption against the two detained officials as well as against owners of London-based companies AM Car and Van Services and AM Films.

The CBI is also questioning Sudhir Verma, deputy director general (communication) of the games organising committee and part of the empowered panel that picked AM Films to install video screens at the venue at exorbitant rates.