In historic case, SC clears Rakesh Asthana's CBI appointment
The SC has dismissed a petition challenging Rakesh Asthana's appointment as CBI special director. This was a historic case: for the first time, a CBI appointment was questioned as the officer himself is being examined for corruption by the agency. NGO Common Cause, which filed the petition, called his appointment "mala fide and illegal". But the Centre insisted Asthana had an outstanding career.
About the contentious officer
Asthana has handled many high-profile cases, including the Sabarmati Express burning, AgustaWestland scam, Bihar fodder scam and corruption in the Delhi government. Asthana, considered close to the Gujarat government, has served as the police commissioner in Vadodara and Surat, and as CBI's interim chief. He is among over 30 Gujarat officers who have been moved to Delhi after Narendra Modi came to power.
Why was his appointment controversial?
In December'16, Asthana was made the CBI interim director after former director Anil Sinha's retirement. The appointment was controversial for various reasons: then senior-most CBI official RK DUtta was transferred out suddenly; the selection committee didn't even meet; and Asthana was too junior. Reports said it was an attempt to clear the way for his promotion as CBI chief.
Asthana is named in FIR over bribes of Rs. 3.5cr
According to reports, CBI Director Alok Verma objected in writing to Asthana's elevation; it mentioned complaints about him allegedly receiving bribes of up to Rs. 3.5cr. The case pertains to Sterling Biotech of the Sandesaria Group. After raids on its premises in 2011, CBI flagged several suspicious transactions. A CBI FIR alleges Asthana and other officers had received bribes worth crores from Sterling.
What does the Centre say?
When the SC questioned the Centre over his appointment, it defended the decision, saying Asthana is looking after 11 of the CBI's zones. It argued he had an outstanding career and had supervised several high-profile cases.
