Veteran Congress Leader Suresh Kalmadi Passes Away at 81 Amid Controversy

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Suresh Kalmadi, a prominent Congress leader and former Union minister, has passed away at the age of 81 after a prolonged illness. Kalmadi, who was undergoing treatment at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Pune, will be cremated today at 3:30 pm in accordance with his family's wishes. Kalmadi, a long-time public figure in Pune, served as Union minister of state for railways and president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) before his career was marred by controversy. His tenure at IOA was scrutinized over the 2010 Commonwealth Games corruption case, and he was eventually charged under the Prevention of Corruption Act. However, in a significant turn of events earlier this year, a Delhi court cleared Kalmadi of money laundering charges in the CWG case, citing a lack of evidence. Despite this, Kalmadi's legacy remains complex, with his influence in sports organizations enduring despite the controversy. Kalmadi is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and a legacy that continues to spark debate. His mortal remains will be kept at Kalmadi House in Pune's Erandwane until 2 pm today, before being taken for cremation.