They have denied that they recommended British-based AM Films to help organise the logistics for the launch of the Queen's Baton Relay in London, a service which the Delhi organisers paid $1.3 million (£828,000) for, although they never signed an official contract with the firm.

It has led to allegations that Kalmadi's Committee have been misusing money and that British tax authorities have launched a probe into the affair.

Kalmadi today released copies of the correspondence between him and the High Commission in London.

One was written by him to the Indian High Commission and the other two are from Raju Sebastian, an official there, in response to his letter.

Kalmadi said: "It is being reported by the media that the Indian High Commission in London has denied that they recommended M/S Am Cars to the organising committee for providing various services for the function.

"They have also said that Mr. Raju Sebatsian is too junior an official to make any recommendation on behalf of the Indian High Commission.

"The OC (Organising Committee) would like to clarify that we had written to Vikrant Ratan, the first secretary (Protocol) of the Indian High Commission, to provide us the list of agencies for transportation, accommodation and other services and their approved rates.

"In response, Mr. Raju Sebastian of the (Protocol Division), giving reference to our mail to the first secretary, informed that the approved vendors for transport art M/S AM Car & Van and the Chauffeur Company.

"He also indicated the approved rates of the High Commission for accommodation and transportation.

"This clearly indicates that the Indian High Commission had recommended M/S AM Car & Vans to the Organising Committee for the Queen's Baton Rally function in London."

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