Arvind Kejriwal attacks Modi government for sending CBI director on leave

NEW DELHI: Attacking the Narendra Modi government for sending Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) director Alok Kumar Verma on leave in the midst of internal tussle in the agency, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday asked for 'reasons' which prompted Centre to initiate such step.

Taking to micro-blogging site, Twitter, Mr Kejriwal, said, "What are the reasons for sending CBI director on leave? Under which law did the Modi govt get the authority to initiate action against the chief of an investigating agency appointed as per the Lokpal Act ? What is Modi govt trying to hide?" ''Is there a co-relation between Rafale deal and removal of Alok Verma? Was Alok Verma about to start investigations into Rafale, which cud become problem for Modi ji?'' Mr Kejriwal added.

Is there a co-relation betn Rafale deal and removal of Alok Verma? Was Alok Verma about to start investigations into Rafale, which cud become problem for Modi ji?

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) October 24, 2018

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia also took to Twitter over the issue, saying, "By sending CBI director on leave forcefully, who is trying to conduct raids at the CBI headquarters.

Rumours had been making round that Verma was about to start probe on Rafale deal.

By removing him, are the papers of Rafale going to be searched?" While activist and lawyer Prashant Bhushan, reacting to the matter in a series of tweets said,"As feared and suspected, the govt has removed the Director CBI from his charge, because he was pursuing corrupt Spl Director Rakesh Asthana who was foisted on CBI by PMO despite his being investigated by the CBI itself in corruption cases. Totally illegal. Will be Challenged."

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"Apart from protecting Asthana from investigation, the Rafale complaint by Shourie, Sinha and myself, entertained by the CBI Director, must be another reason for the Government to remove him with such alacrity by this midnight order," he further stated.

In an unprecedented development, that follows the recent happenings within the CBI, its director Alok Verma and his deputy Rakesh Asthana have been sent on leave and M Nageshwar Rao, a senior Joint Director with the probe agency, has been given the interim charge as CBI director.