Commonwealth Games chairman Suresh Kalmadi fired

New Delhi: The Indian government has fired Commonwealth Games organising committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi and an aide following allegations of corruption.

Sports Minister Ajay Maken says he ordered their removal following a request from federal investigators, who felt that their presence was hindering investigations into graft charges.

The Kalmadi-led organising committee has also been accused by Australian and British companies of delaying payments to them for services rendered during the Oct. 3-14 games.

Maken says it is proper to remove Kalmadi since "various matters were being probed and dues had to be settled at the earliest after proper verification."

Organising committee secretary-general Lalit Bhanot has also been fired.