CWG graft: CBI likely to file FIR against Mauritian firm

The CBI is likely to register an FIR to investigate various irregularities by a Mauritian firm in executing a Rs70 crore contract related to the Commonwealth Games.

The investigating agency has already registered a Preliminary Enquiry (PE) in the case.

Acting on the recommendation by the Prime Minister's Office, the Sports Ministry has sent a letter to CBI asking it to probe the antecedents, flow of funds and works carried out by Event Knowledge Services (EKS), a Mauritius-based international private consultant, for alleged wrongdoings.

EKS was given three contracts of over Rs70 crore by the Games Organising Committee to extend consultancy services for the venue development and management, games workforce, and games planning and project management services.

"PE has been registered and it will be converted into an FIR soon," a CBI official said.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh-appointed Shunglu committee has found gross irregularities by EKS and recommended a probe by the CBI and Enforcement Directorate. Taking a serious view of the High Level Committee's findings, the PMO had suggested a probe by the CBI and Enforcement Directorate into charges against the firm to the Sports Ministry.

The committee in its report estimated financial loss of over Rs18 crore to the government due to alleged irregularities in granting workforce contract.

The prime minister had on October 25 last year appointed the High Level Committee under the chairmanship of former Comptroller and Auditor General VK Shunglu to investigate and report all irregularities in executing various projects by several government agencies during the mega sporting event held here between October 3-14 last year.