Games scam accused win bail as CBI bungles again

 The Delhi High Court today granted bail to former Delhi Commonwealth Games organising committee (OC) joint secretary general T S Darbari and former treasurer M Jayachandran, who were both arrested for their alleged role in the Queen's Baton Relay scam.

Not unexpectedly, the fault lay with the Central Bureau of Investigation – quick as usual to make random arrests, but unable to produce evidence to back them. ''Meanwhile their suspects languish in custody, with their reputations in tatters,'' said a social observer.

Justice Hima Kohli allowed the bail plea of Darbari and Jayachandrandan, both close aides of tainted OC chairman Suresh Kalmadi, saying the CBI has failed to complete its probe and file the chargesheet against them within 60 days as required by the laws.

A senior CBI official reportedly said, "The two were arrested on 15 November after registration of the case. We are not yet ready with the chargesheet as there are several loose ends in the investigation. We are seeking legal opinion to arrest the duo in a second case."

On 22 December 2010, the Delhi high court had asked the CBI to reply on a bail application filed by Darbari and M Jayachandran, both accused in financial irregularities in the baton relay case.

During the hearing, Darbari's counsel contended that his client is eligible to be released on bail as the CBI has failed to complete its probe within the prescribed time and his client cannot be kept behind bars indefinitely.