Decision on new CBI chief expected on Saturday

IANS  |  New Delhi 

A decision on a new CBI to replace ousted is expected on Saturday with discussion taking place on Friday at meeting of the high-level selection panel at the residence of of Modi.

Kharge later said that the decision will be taken tomorrow.

"Tomorrow it will happen. Whether it (meeting) happens or not, but decision will be taken tomorrow ," he told reporters.

He was asked if another meeting of the selection panel will take place on Saturday.

Asked if a decision will be taken on Saturday, he said "most probably".

He refused to give reasons for the panel not having taken a decision on Friday, saying "it is a confidential discussion."

Kharge said he will speak after a decision is announced.

"I will speak at 1 pm tomorrow," he said.

Asked if there was a disagreement over the name of 1983-batch Shivanand Jha, Kharge said, "I don't know."

Asked further that there is a rumor that government was pushing for a and he did not agree with it, Kharge said, "that may be one perception."

The last meeting of the selection panel on January 24 had remained inconclusive.

Earlier in the day, the Centre informed the about the evening meeting to select a new of of Investigation.

Its response came to the apex court's question as to how long the present situation in the CBI will continue.

A Bench comprising Justice and Justice told the Centre that the post of CBI was sensitive and that the government should have appointed a by now.

The bench was hearing a petition by NGO Common Cause challenging the appointment of as the CBI interim following the removal of former Director under controversial circumstances.

The bench said the process of appointment should have been over by now as it was already known that Verma was going to retire in January.

About 60-70 candidates were discussed in the last meeting of the selection panel and Kharge asked for details relating to seniority and batch of all the candidates in a combined list.

The high-level committee had earlier removed Verma as CBI by making him the Director General, Fire Services, Civil Services and which he refused to accept.

Verma and of Investigation were sent on forced leave on October 23 after their fight became public. Both the officials had levelled allegations of bribery against each other.

--IANS

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First Published: Fri, February 01 2019. 22:06 IST