I am being targeted, made a scapegoat, says Darbari

TS Darbari, the sacked joint director-general of the Commonwealth Games organising committee (OC), has said he was not involved in any dubious deal with London-based AM Films.

“My role in the London QBR [Queen’s Baton Relay] launch was ceremonial. It had nothing to do with any negotiation for short-listing vendors or financial transaction or reimbursement or recommendation of advance,” he said.

“Whatever has happened is unfortunate. I’m being targeted unnecessarily, being made a scapegoat,” he said.

Asked if he received a letter dated August 22, 2009, from AM Films, Darbari said, “If there is a letter, send it to me, it should have my signature. If someone is concocting a letter, it is his problem not mine.”

“I have said I am not a party to any contract, never did I recommending a person,” he said. Asked if OC chairman Suresh Kalmadi was aware of the deal, Darbari said, “I do not know who was in the know. I just know that Darbari was not in the know.”