CBI starts inquiry on IOA staff

New Delhi: The CBI, on Friday, initiated a prelimin-ary enquiry (PE) into allegations of nepotism and favouritism against some Indian Olympic Association officials in sending two medical professionals with the Indian team to the Rio Olympics last year.

It is alleged that Pawandeep Singh and R.S. Negi did not have requisite qualification and experience, but were sent to the games from July 24 to August 23, 2016, with the Indian contingent. Sources said there are allegations of nepotism, favouritism, and irregularities against certain officials of the IOA which are being examined by the CBI.

“The agency will soon seek clarification from IOA officials and both doctors. If required, the CBI will also seek clarification from the sports ministry in this regard,” sources said.

Meanwhile, the agency has also decided to seek clarification from six junior cricket players of the Delhi District Cricket Association (DDCA) who had allegedly fudged their birth records to be able to play in lower age group matches. The agency has already registered a PE into the matter. Sources said the players in alleged collusion with unknown persons manipulated date of birth records and submitted manipulated records to get them registered with the DDCA. Sources added this was done with a view to hide their ac-tual age and compete in lower age group categories to get best results. The inquiry had been initiated by the sports integrity unit of the CBI.

In a bid to eradicate corruption and match-fixing in sports, the CBI formed a specialised unit to handle cases relating to sports fraud and illegal betting. The unit, sources said, also coordinates with other law enforcement agencies of the world apart from liaisoning with sports federations and state police.