No reason to impeach Kalmadi: IOA

Indian Olympic Association interim president V K Malhotra on Tuesday said there is no reason to impeach jailed president Suresh Kalmadi, who is facing trial on charges of corruption in the Conduct of the Commonwealth Games, which Delhi hosted last year.

At its first executive committee meeting since the CBI arrested Kalmadi last month, Malhotra said the IOA will follow the constitution when it comes to taking any step against the former Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chairman.

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Asked if the IOA is standing by Kalmadi at this crucial phase, Malhotra replied, "It's not the question of standing by Kalmadi or not. Law will take its course. IOA has nothing to do with it. Constitution is there to take the decision and we will go by the constitution.

"Some members today mentioned about him, without taking his name, that it is a sad reflection on the sports body.

"The election is due to take place next year. Right now there is no need for impeachment, we will go by the constitution," said Malhotra, who is also the senior vice-president of the IOA.

Kalmadi was arrested on April 25 for allegedly awarding the timing and scoring contract for the mega-event to a Swiss company at an inflated rate of Rs 141 crore in a "pre-meditated" manner.