Conflict

CBI Chief Alok Verma to appear before CVC today, rejects Special Director Asthana’s charges in written reply

Central Bureau of Intelligence (CBI) Director Alok Verma is to appear before the Central Vigilance Commission which is probing allegations leveled against him by Special Director Rakesh Asthana, Indian Express reported. The inquiry report of the committee has to be submitted to the Supreme Court of India for the next hearing of petitions by Verma and NGO Common Cause on Monday.

Hyderabad businessman Sathish Babu Sana who is also involved in the ‘war’ between Verma and Asthana appeared Thursday before the commission and was examined for the third time in connection with his earlier statements in the case involving meat exporter Moin Qureshi and Asthana.

Sana had alleged that he was sent word, on Asthana’s behalf, to pay Rs 3 crore to clear his name in the CBI probe — Sana became the complainant in the CBI FIR against Asthana.

ALSO READ: Delhi court sends CBI DSP Kumar to 14 days judicial custody, reserves verdict on bail plea

In an August 24 representation to Cabinet Secretary Pradeep Kumar Sinha, Asthana alleged that Sana was an accused in the case against Qureshi and, to save himself from CBI action, had paid a bribe of Rs 2 crore to Verma.

On August 31, the Cabinet Secretary sent the representation to CVC for verification.

On Asthana’s complaint, the CVC had sought a reply from Verma and had summoned him.

Following the government of India’s order stripping him of all responsibilities, Verma and NGO Common Cause moved separate petitions in the Supreme Court, challenging the government decision. The Supreme Court ordered the CVC to complete its ongoing inquiry against Verma in two weeks.

ALSO READ: Delhi High Court directs CBI to maintain status quo during Special Director’s proceedings

In his written replies, Verma denied the charge that he tried to stop a raid against Bihar leader Lalu Prasad in the IRCTC case — the CBI alleged that two IRCTC hotels were leased in violation of norms when Prasad was Minister of Railways.

Asthana alleged that Verma tried to stall raids on the premises of Prasad in April this year and that a CBI Joint Director’s departure was delayed because Verma did not give him permission to travel to Patna. Verma pointed out that Lalu was chargesheeted with his approval.

On the allegations in the Moin Qureshi bribery case, Verma said Sana was a witness in the Qureshi case and had been cooperating with investigators. He, however, conveyed that he had seen and approved the proposal for a lookout circular against Sana on May 21, based on which the businessman was detained on October 22, IE reported.

Click to comment
To Top