New Delhi, November 7
The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has decided to speed up and complete its probe by December-end into alleged irregularities in the multi-crore Commonwealth Games (CWG)-related works.

Sources said the decision in that regard was taken recently and a directive had been issued to a special cell of the commission entrusted exclusively with the Games-related probe.

This follows complaints by the special investigation team (SIT) alleging non-cooperation by certain departments. “The commission will complete its investigations by this year-end,” a senior CVC official said.

He said the probity watchdog had decided to convene regular review meetings with the CBI and other agencies to closely monitor the progress in the probe.

Sources said Central Vigilance Commissioner Pradeep Kumar had expressed unhappiness over the tardiness in the CWG-related probe and asked his officials to fast track it.

The special cell was formed early this year after a sudden surge in corruption complaints against government officials in executing the projects related to the mega sporting event held between October 3 and 14 last year.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had, on October 25, announced a high-level committee under the chairmanship of former Comptroller and Auditor General VK Shunglu to probe CWG-related irregularities.

The committee has submitted six reports — on host broadcasting, Games Village, city infrastructure, Games venues, organising committee and organisation and conduct of Commonwealth Games 2010 — to the Prime Minister’s Office.

Sources said the commission would share progress on the CWG investigation with the Group of Ministers especially constituted by the Prime Minister on August 2 this year to examine Shunglu Committee reports.

Former CWG Organising Committee Chairman Suresh Kalmadi and sacked Secretary General Lalit Bhanot, among others, were arrested by the CBI earlier this year, and they are currently lodged in Tihar Jail for their alleged involvement in corrupt practices in implementing Games-related works. — PTI