Government to show-cause ex-CBI director Alok Verma, cites 4 counts of misconduct

NEW DELHI: The government has decided to serve a show-cause notice to former CBI director Alok Kumar Verma, who superannuated on Friday without joining his last posting, asking why departmental proceedings should not be initiated against him on four specific counts of misconduct and violation of service rules.

While three of the grounds for departmental action, as cited in the show-cause notice prepared by the ministries of personnel and home, relate to findings of the CVC inquiry conducted late last year on directions of the Supreme Court, the fourth cites his refusal to join as DG, Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guards, despite being asked by the home ministry on Wednesday to do so.

As per sources, the show-cause notice was to be served on Thursday or Friday. It mentions three charges of misconduct on Verma’s part. The first relates to his having excluded suspected key conspirator Rakesh Asthana from the ICRTC case FIR. As per the CVC report submitted to SC in November 2018 and also shared later with DoPT, the CVC inquiry had “reasonably concluded” that Verma had deliberately excluded Saxena’s name, “which amounts to a serious misconduct and warrants disciplinary and other actions”.

The second count for seeking departmental action against Verma relates to transfer of bank fraud case relating to then joint director in CBI Rajiv Singh. “There is inordinate delay in finalising the investigation report by CBI...Verma, being head of the organisation, should have ensured completion of investigation and further action within prescribed timelines....Failure to do so appears to have lead to the allegation of favouring Rajiv Singh,” the CVC report pointed out.

The third charge is that Verma had attempted to induct tainted officers into CBI, including R P Upadhyay and Rajeev Krishna. “The allegation is substantiated,” the CVC had stated in its report that formed the basis of Verma’s removal as CBI director on January 10.

The fourth charge was added to the show-cause notice only on Thursday, after it became clear that he would not join as DG, Fire Services even on his last day in service. According to a DoPT functionary, there is no provision for treating a government servant as “deemed superannuated”, as he must either resign/voluntary retire or be retired. “Verma’s refusal to report as DG, Fire Services is unauthorised absence, warranting departmental action,” said an officer.

Based on Verma’s reply, a call may be taken on setting up departmental inquiry against him. The findings of such inquiry will decide the penalty to be imposed, though in consultation with UPSC. A major penalty would entail a cut in pension. Also, Verma’s pension may be withheld during pendency of the proceedings.