CWG scam: CBI closes MTNL data network case

After 18 months of probe, CBI closed investigation in Commonwealth Games projects related to inflation of cost by MTNL in setting up a broadcast network for the sports event by nearly Rs 400 crore.

New Delhi: After nearly 18 months of probe, CBI has closed investigation in one of the Commonwealth Games projects related to alleged inflation of cost by MTNL and a private company in setting up a broadcast network for the sports event by nearly Rs 400 crore. CBI sources said the agency found that additional cost was incurred because Commonwealth Games in Delhi were spread across a much bigger area as compared to Melbourne Commonwealth Games which were held in not more than 10 kilometer distance. Sources said the allegations of corruption could not be substantiated during the probe and the cost escalation appeared to be the result of genuine reasons prompting the agency to file a closure report before the competent court. The sources said the infrastructure used for setting up IP/MPLS Technology-based broadcast network was established from scratch for the Commonwealth Games here as compared to Melbourne where the technology was already in use. CBI sources said there probe showed that Australia already had an infrastructure in place for the broadcast and it was like plug-and-play thereby costing less. PTI