CBI swoops down on 'telecast-fixing'

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, NOV. 13. The Central Bureau of Investigation today conducted nationwide raids in connection with the alleged irregularities on the part of Doordarshan in awarding the telecast rights for some top sports events during 1997-98. It was alleged that Doordarshan's manner of giving telecast rights could have caused loss to the Government to the tune of Rs. 30 crores. The CBI registered cases against six former Doordarshan officials and three firms.

Among the premises raided were those belonging to the former International Cricket Council (ICC) president, Mr. Jagmohan Dalmiya, in Calcutta, and the WorldTel TV production house owner, Mr. Mark Mascarenhas, in Bangalore. The premises of some private media companies such as UTV and Stracon were also searched.

The CBI also targeted the premises of 17 Doordarshan officials, including controllers of programmes and those concerned with the financial aspects of awarding telecast rights. Sources in the CBI said the premises of Mr. K.S. Sarma, former acting chief of the Prasar Bharti, were searched. DD offices in the capital, including one at Mandi House, were also raided.

After registering five FIRs a few days ago and obtaining the opinion of its legal wing, the CBI raids began early this morning in Lucknow, Mumbai and Delhi as well as Bangalore and Calcutta. Sources said papers and certain documents had been seized and the agency would spend the next few days computing the total loss suffered by the Government.

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