Verma’s deposition lasted 45 minutes sources in CVC said (File Photo)

CBI director Alok Verma deposed for the inquiry being conducted by the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), on the Supreme Court’s orders, on allegations made against him by the agency’s special director, Rakesh Asthana. Verma’s deposition lasted 45 minutes on Friday morning at Satarkata Bhawan, sources in CVC said.

Besides Central Vigilance Commissioner K V Chowdary and Vigilance Commissioners Sharad Kumar and T M Bhasin, retired Supreme Court judge A K Patnaik, who is monitoring the time-bound inquiry on the apex court’s order, was present during the deposition.

Asthana, who had met Chowdary and Vigilance Commissioner Sharad Kumar on Thursday and is understood to have given documentary evidence in support of his charges levelled against Verma, went again to the CVC office around 4.45 pm on Friday but left after about 10 minutes without managing to meet anyone since he did not have scheduled appointment, PTI reported.

“He could not meet Chowdary or any of the Vigilance Commissioners as they, along with other senior officials, were in a meeting,” PTI quoted an official.

Verma had been present for the inquiry on Thursday as well, but his deposition was postponed to Friday since Bhasin was not available due to a personal commitment. Sources said Verma has not been asked to be present before the inquiry panel again.

The CVC inquiry began on October 29 and its report is to be submitted to the apex court by Saturday. The SC is scheduled to hear the case on Monday.