Rome, April 16: Rome's Mayor Gianni Alemanno has launched legal proceedings against an Italian investigative TV show that claimed the mafia and crime gangs had infiltrated contracts for electric bus services and a new metro line in the capital.

Alemanno said he was suing the state broadaster Rai's programme and its presenter Milena Gabanelli for the "slanderous" allegations aired Sunday.

"The edition of 'Report' is a re-hash of claims that have already appeared in Italian media that the city of Rome has already declared it has absolutely nothing to do with," said a statement from Alemanno's office.

Alemanno said he is suing the programme "Report" personally and on behalf of the city of Rome "for the lies against it".

The mayor recently denied claims he might be linked to a bribery case involving the supply of buses.

The Sunday edition of "Report" also highlighted costly consultants used by Alemanno's administration and the multi-million euro debts of municipally owned companies.

Opposition politicians have called for Alemanno's resignation after the report. (IANS)