PM Modi-led panel removes Alok Verma as CBI chief

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, a member of the panel, opposed the move

Verma is likely to be moved to the National Human Rights Commission | PTI Verma is likely to be moved to the National Human Rights Commission | PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stamped his authority as CBI Director Alok Verma, who assumed his post following a Supreme Court order a day earlier, was again removed from the post on Thursday. Verma was posted as director, general fire services.

The move is likely to set off a political controversy as opposition parties had rallied behind Verma saying he was about to investigate the Rafale deal.

The decision came after the selection committee headed by Modi met in Delhi for the second time. The panel considered the CVC report which had listed several charges of wrongdoings against Verma. Sources said corruption allegations against Verma were substantial and needed further investigations which made his continuance as CBI chief untenable.

The other members of the panel include the Chief Justice of India and the leader of opposition in Lok Sabha. In this case, the CJI had nominated Justice A.K. Sikri in the three member panel. 

Opposition leader and Congress MP Mallikarjun Kharge is reported to have opposed Verma's removal in the meeting. In his six page note submitted to the committee, Kharge said that all allegations against Verma as investigated by the CVC have not been fully substantiated. He demanded that Verma be given opportunity to explain his position before the committee and his powers be restored. Kharge also demanded that separate investigations be conducted into the sequence of events leading to Verma's removal on October last.

Verma, who returned from forced leave after the Supreme Court order, too, appeared to head for a showdown. On joining office, he cancelled all the transfer orders of officers done in his absence. He brought in his loyalists and appointed officers to probe the investigations against Rakesh Asthana.

A 1979-batch AGMUT cadre IPS officer, Verma had earlier served as the Delhi Police chief. He was earlier removed from the CBI chief's post after being involved in a battle with his deputy Rakesh Asthana with both of them levelling corruption charges against each other.

After both officers were removed in a dramatic mid-night action, Verma approached Supreme Court against the government order.

Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court is expected to announce its verdict on Friday in a case registered against Rakesh Asthana and DSP Devender Kumar.

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