CBI books its second-in-command in bribery scandal
In a case that might have far-reaching consequences, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has booked its second-in-command, Special Director Rakesh Asthana, in a bribery scandal. The CBI named Asthana, along with along with RAW second-in-command, Special Director Samant Kumar Goel, in an FIR lodged earlier this week. However, Goel, unlike Asthana, was not named as an accused. Here are the details.
What the CBI has against Special Director Rakesh Asthana
In an FIR filed on Tuesday, the CBI named Asthana as the prime accused for allegedly demanding and taking a bribe from a businessman during investigations in the Moin Qureshi corruption case. Reportedly, the CBI has also put together evidence such as telephone excerpts, WhatsApp messages, and money trails. Earlier, it had told the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) that it was investigating Asthana in six corruption cases.
A Hyderabad-based businessman alleged that Asthana took bribes from him
On October 4, Hyderabad-based businessman Sana Satish gave a statement in court naming Asthana, Dubai-based middleman Manoj Prasad, and Prasad's relative Somesh Srivastava. Satish, whose role in the Qureshi case is under investigation, alleged that he had paid Rs. 3cr to the aforementioned parties over 10 months to stay away from the CBI investigation, which was being conducted by an SIT headed by Asthana.
Role of RAW Special Director being probed by the CBI
Meanwhile, RAW second-in-command Special Director Samant Kumar Goel's role in the entire episode is unclear. Although Goel was not named by the CBI in its FIR, it's reported that Goel was well known to, and had been in regular touch with Prasad and his relative, Srivastava. While Prasad has been arrested and Asthana has been booked, Goel's role in still being probed by the CBI.
