In unprecedented move, CBI Director Alok Verma "sent on leave"
Wading into the controversy surrounding the country's premier investigative agency, the Centre has sent CBI Director Alok Verma "on leave". The announcement was made late on Tuesday night. M Nageshwar Rao, Joint Director at CBI will take over the Director's position, the Centre announced in a circular. Rao will take over the duties and responsibilities, immediately. Here's more on this.
Government announces Rao will take over responsibilities
"The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved that during the period of the subsistence of the aforesaid interim measure, cited in reference above, Shri M Nageshwar Rao, IPS, presently working as Joint Director, CBI shall look after duties and functions of Director CBI," the government notification read.
Rakesh Asthana, who faces bribery charges, also sent on leave
The Centre sent No. 2 in CBI hierarchy, Rakesh Asthana on leave. The cracks in the CBI became visible when an FIR was filed by the CBI against Asthana. Asthana allegedly demanded and accepted a bribe in the Moin Qureshi corruption case. His name cropped up after Hyderabad-based businessman Sana Satish referred to him during the investigation. The high-ranking officer has denied this.
On Monday, CBI raided its own headquarters
On Monday, the CBI raided its own headquarters in search of evidence against Asthana. The CBI also arrested Deputy Superintendent of Police (SP) Devender Kumar. His arrest was based on allegations that he committed forgery while recording Satish's statement. The CBI alleged that Kumar had forged a statement by Satish that cast aspersions on CBI Director Alok Verma.
