Was Kalmadi tipped off about sacking?

So it was just a matter of time. Administrative matters were anyway being looked at by Jarnail Singh, CEO of the OC, after Kalmadi came under fire regarding mismanagement of the Games

So it was just a matter of time. "Administrative matters were anyway being looked at by Jarnail Singh, CEO of the OC, after Kalmadi came under fire regarding mismanagement of the Games. In the past three months he had only issued 'one' circular and that too regarding holidays," sources added.

According to reports, after startling revelations in the scam, Kalmadi used only the back gate for entry and exit purposes at the OC office in Connaught Place.u00a0 "He started using the back gate to avoid the media. Later on it became a regular practice," said an OC official.

Sports Minister Ajay Maken, who assumed charge of the ministry last week, said Jarnail Singh, would take charge of the OC. "The government has decided today to remove Kalmadi ... and Bhanot ... with immediate effect," Maken said in a statement.

"The move comes in light of the ongoing investigation by the CBI over allegations of corruption and irregularities in organisation and conduct of the Commonwealth Games and the concerns expressed by the CBI and in the interest of impartial and unhindered investigations," he added.

"Kalmadi has been directed to hand over charge to Jarnail Singh, who is also a member of the executive board of the organising committee," he said.

Kalmadi refused to comment on his sacking, but said he is cooperating with the investigating agencies.
"I have no idea about the removal. I am ready to face any probe and I am cooperating with the investigating agencies," said Kalmadi, ruling out stepping down as President of Indian Olympic Association.

Unanswered questions

The CBI is probing irregularities in the award of contracts during the Queen's Baton Relay ceremony in London in October 2009 as also wrongdoing in awarding a contract of Rs 107 crore for procuring timing equipment for the athletics event of the Games. The CBI has already grilled and raided the properties of both Kalmadi and Bhanot.
Investigations are also being held into overlays contract, AM films deal and the purchase of the aerostat - one of the main attractions of the mega sporting event.
The CBI has so far filed three complaints of alleged irregularities in the CWG preparations. Two FIRs are about the contract to AM Films, a firm in London, for the Queen's Baton Relay function. The third is related to more than hundred crore spent on overlays at the CWG Village and other Games venues.

Word of law

On January 12, Attorney General Goolam Vahanvati had given an opinion to the government that it can remove Kalmadi as Chairman of the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee.
The highest law officer of the country in his opinion to the sports ministry has said that the government is well within its rights to dismiss Kalmadi and Bhanot from the OC.