CBI finds nothing to prove graft in 35th National Games

Thiruvananthapuram: The preliminary probe by the CBI into the allegations levelled over a massive corruption in the conduct of the 35th National Games in Kerala has nothing substantial to prove, a source said.

The source, who did not wish to be identified, told IANS that the probe was based on a complaint filed by CPI-M legislator V. Sivankutty.

"We have not been able to find anything to substantiate the allegations for which a CBI probe was sought. Since the Centre has also funded the event, we also looked into that aspect. The final report will be submitted to a court next month," said the CBI source.

The budget of the event was Rs.611 crore and the games were held in seven districts of the state from January 31 to February 14, 2015.

Things turned hot for the organisers ever since a section of the media here went hammer and tongs against them after it was found that the event management company selected was a sister concern of the leading regional daily in Kerala.

Many reports of alleged corruption surfaced in the media. Following such reports, Sivankutty approached a court, seeking a preliminary Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe.

Jacob Punnoose, chief, National Games, told IANS that CBI officials went through many documents as part of their preliminary probe.

"What must not be forgotten...ever since the concept of the games village came, despite building many infrastructure projects for the event, the 35th National Games turned out to be the cheapest," said Punnoose.

He said the budget of the event was fixed at Rs.611 crore but it was conducted by spending only Rs.550 crore.