A quiet birthday for Kalmadi in CBI lock-up

New Delhi -  Known for his pomp and show, sacked CWG Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi on Sunday spent a quiet birthday in CBI custody.

He was the centre of glitter during the fortnight-long sports extravaganza last year but when it came to his birthday, it was without all the razzmatazz.

For a man, who used to make everything a showbiz, his birthday this year was an occasion that was probably only known to CBI sleuths around him. He is also believed to have spent some time with a few family members.

Kalmadi, who has been known for high-class parties, turned 67. He was arrested by the CBI on April 25.

At present serving an eight-day custody period, the suspended Congress MP from Pune was wished by some CBI officials questioning him in connection with the purchase of Time-Score-Result from Switzerland, agency sources said.

Lodged in 12x12 ft room, attached with a latch-less washroom, Kalmadi is understood to have met some of his family members. However, no was willing to confirm it.

When contacted, Kalmadi's his son Sumeer refused to talk about it and said, "Birthdays are private affairs so I would request privacy on this issue."

CBI officials including its spokespersons wished not to talk on it.

Kalmadi was arrested by CBI for allegedly awarding a contract for the Games to a Swiss company at an inflated rate of Rs 141 crore in a "pre-meditated" manner, according to agency sources.

Kalmadi's arrest was announced after his day-long questioning at the CBI headquarters, the fourth since December last, in connection with the alleged irregularities. He was allegedly involved in "conspiracy to favour a private firm based in Switzerland by awarding contract of Timing Scoring and Result System at inflated cost."

The CBI has so far registered ten cases of which three are related to restoration work of two sporting venues, two are related to Queen Baton's relay, while one each is related to overlays, contract given to Swiss Time Keeping, and contract given to SIS live for the coverage of the Games.