CBI Director Alok Verma has decided to waste no time trying to build a solid ground for his reinstatement as the boss of the top investigating agency. On Tuesday, Verma sent a detailed reply to the questionnaire sent by the Central Vigilance Commission on the allegations levelled by Special Director Rakesh Asthana accusing him of “interference” in ongoing investigations and bringing tainted officers into the CBI. The CVC is the supervisory authority of the CBI and has been asked by the Supreme Court to complete its inquiry into the allegations and counter allegations between Verma and Asthana by November 12.
Sources revealed that Verma has defended himself in his replies to the CVC, where he said that his actions as the CBI director was in the best interest of the investigations being conducted by the agency. He is learnt to have dismissed all charges against him as baseless and motivated. The CVC will now examine Verma's response and, if found unsatisfactory, will summon the officer.
Asthana has alleged that Hyderabad-based businessman Sana Satish Babu, a suspect in the Moin Qureshi case, had paid Rs 2 crore as bribe to the CBI director to avoid any action by the agency. Verma was also accused of interference in the IRCTC scam involving RJD supremo Lalu Yadav by trying to stall raids against him. Asthana also alleged that Verma was trying to induct tainted officers in the CBI despite the disapproval of the internal vigilance unit.
The CVC had last week examined some CBI officials in the matter. The fresh development comes in the run up to the November 12 deadline set by the Supreme Court to the CVC. With less than a week left for the CVC to submit its report, it is working overtime to complete the inquiry. Verma has already challenged the government’s decision divesting him of his duties.
Meanwhile, the CBI and the CVC are also entangled over certain files and documents, with the CBI claiming that certain documents which are with the CVC are critical to the probe against Asthana. The CBI had registered an FIR against Asthana on October 15 based on a complaint filed by Sana Satish Babu that he had paid a bribe to him. It was under Verma’s charge that the FIR against the special director was registered. Meanwhile, Asthana got protection against arrest from the Delhi High Court till November 14. All eyes are now on what the CVC would tell the Supreme Court on November 12.
