
CBI chief Alok Verma (pictured here) and Rakesh Asthana's offices have been sealed (File Photo)
Over the infighting in CBI, the country's top investigating agency's director, Alok Verma, along with Special Director Rakesh Asthana, have been sent on leave. M Nageshwara Rao, a joint director at the agency, has been appointed its interim director. M Nageshwara Rao is a 1986 batch IPS or Indian Police Service officer from the Odisha cadre, and supersedes Rakesh Asthana.
The move caps week-long turmoil that began with chief Alok Verma filing a case against his deputy, accusing him of bribery in an investigation. Rakesh Asthana yesterday took the CBI to court, asking for the charges to be cancelled and for protection against arrest.
Meanwhile, the offices of both Alok Verma and Rakesh Asthana have been sealed and all officers working with the CBI director have been sent on leave. The 10th and 11th floor of the CBI office in Delhi, which has the rooms of all these officers, are being raided, say sources.
The government's order followed a recommendation by the country's top vigilance officer, Chief Vigilance Commissioner, that the CBI's warring top two be sent on compulsory wait, stripped of all responsibilities.
Here are the LIVE Updates over the on-going developments amid the CBI tussle:
#CBI - Director Alok Verma and Spl Director Rakesh Asthana sent on leave. Govt finally acts ! #pmopic.twitter.com/eIsz029FJY
- Neeta Sharma (@NEETAS11) October 24, 2018
Breaking! As feared&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 pic.twitter.com/KyZgEUBpyF
- Prashant Bhushan (@pbhushan1) October 24, 2018