Indian High Commission to release new information

The Indian High Commission in London said it was 'actively' looking into controversy over the hiring of a London-Queen's Baton Relay ceremony, and said it would release 'further information' in due course.

At a press conference in New Delhi, Congress MP Suresh Kalmadi had provided emails to substantiate his claim that the controversial AK Films was hired on the basis of recommendation made by Raju Sebastian, a junior ranking official in the High Commission.

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In a statement, the High Commission said: "With reference to a press release issued on 1 August 2010, by Organising Committee of CWG 2010, regarding hire of vehicles from M/s. AM Car and Vans, purportedly at the recommendation of HCI, London, the matter is being actively looked into and further information would be released in due course".

Raveesh Kumar, acting spokesman for the High Commission earlier informed that all aspects of the issue were being "actively" examined.

Kalmadi had refuted the High Commission's earlier claim that it had not made any recommendations, and asserted that the recommendation came from Raju Sebastian.

"The Organising Committee would like to clarify that we had written to Mr Vikrant Ratan, the first secretary (Protocol) of the Indian High Commission, to provide us the list of agencies for transportation, accommodation and other services and their approved rates," Kalmadi had said.

In response, Mr Raju Sebastian of the Protocol Division of the Indian High Commission, giving reference to our mail to the First Secretary Vikrant Ratan, informed that the approved vendors for transport are AM Car and Van and the Chauffeur Company," Kalmadi stated.

Kalmadi, also the Indian Olympic Association President, said the rates were also approved by the High Commission.

"He (Sebastian) also indicated the approved rates of the High Commission for accommodation and transportation.

"In view of the clarification which clearly indicates that the Indian High Commission had recommended AM Car and Vans to the Organising Committee for QBR Launch Function at London, it is requested that the factual position in projected," Kalmadi said.