CBI says Verma remains chief, Asthana still special director

NEW DELHI: A day after the government divested feuding CBI director Alok Verma and his deputy Rakesh Asthana of their duties, the agency clarified that Verma continued to be the chief while Asthana remained special director.

“Alok Verma continues to remain director of CBI, Asthana remains special director," CBI spokesperson Abhishek Dayal said.

“M Nageswar Rao is only holding charge as interim director until the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) looks into the allegations and counter-allegations,” he added.

This means while Verma and Asthana cannot perform any duties, can’t have any powers or responsibilities in the agency until the investigation is over, they will continue to draw their salaries and perks.

The clarification is in line with the government’s position that it has not violated the Supreme Court order in the Vineet Narain case which laid down that the CBI chief can be appointed and removed only by a selection committee comprising the PM, CJI and leader of opposition.

The statement came a day after the government sent them on forced leave on the recommendation of the CVC, which said Verma was not cooperating in the probe into allegations of corruption levelled against him by Asthana and it would only be “fair” to take both off till the charges were probed.

The agency also refuted reports that Verma was holding files related to crucial cases including the Rafale deal in his office when he was divested of his powers.

The CBI spokesperson called the reports “false”. “This is being manufactured by vested interests. Every file in the CBI at each level is accounted for,” Dayal said.

Prashant Bhushan and Arun Shourie had submitted a detailed complaint to Verma on October 4 regarding alleged corruption in the Rafale deal.

Sources told TOI that in the CBI, the director is not supposed to keep any file with him. “If there is a complaint or investigation report, it is supposed to be kept in the concerned branch, joint director, DIG, SP or investigating officer’s office. In fact, CBI officers are not even supposed to take files home except the camp offices including the CBI director’s residence,” said an officer.