Indian police break up opposition activists' Commonwealth Games protest

Indian police used water cannon to disperse opposition activists protesting on Monday in New Delhi against alleged corruption during preparations for the Commonwealth Games.

About 100 activists, many from the opposition BJP party, tried to march to the parliament over a series of reports about poor quality construction work and faked building certificates.

"Is it Commonwealth Games or the Loot of the Common Man?" said banners held by protesters on Monday, as organisers rushed to complete venues and transport links before the Games open on October 3.

The Indian government sees the event, which involves 71 nations and territories, as a chance to highlight the country's emerging status as an economic superpower.

But the run-up to the Games has been plagued by disputes among the organisers and delayed construction work.

Urban development minister Jaipal Reddy vowed at the weekend to investigate all allegations of corruption.