Alok Verma: Was removed on frivolous grounds; CBI under attack
After Alok Verma was removed by the PM Modi-led selection committee within two days of his reinstatement by the Supreme Court, the former CBI Director has spoken up about his removal. Speaking to press, Verma said that he had been removed on frivolous grounds and that the CBI as an institution was under attack. Here are the details.
What Verma had to say about his removal
Commenting on his removal, Verma has said that he was ousted on the basis of "false, unsubstantiated and frivolous allegations made by only one person", who was "inimical" to him. While Verma did not take names, it is understood that the person being referred to here is none other that CBI Special Director Rakesh Asthana.
Attempts have been made to destroy CBI's integrity
Verma added that the CBI was an investigative agency that had the responsibility of "dealing in corruption in high places" and thus it was necessary to "preserve and protect" its independence. The former CBI Director also said that he had "tried to uphold the integrity of the institution while attempts were being made to destroy it."
Verma: Will stand up for the CBI again, if needed
"I have been transferred to another post pursuant to the orders of the [selection] committee...I have stood up for the integrity of the institution, and if asked, will do it again in order to uphold the rule of law," concluded Verma.
Backstory: Verma's second innings had lasted just two days
On Tuesday, the Supreme Court had set aside Verma's removal by the Central government, and had reinstated him as the CBI in-charge. Verma began his second innings by trying to rescind the transfer orders of 13 officials who had been transferred by Interim Director M Nageswara Rao. However, Verma's joy was cut short when the PM Modi-led selection committee ousted him on Thursday.
There was disagreement within the selection committee over Verma's removal
However, the selection committee did not unanimously oust Verma - of the three-member panel, PM Modi, Justice A K Sikri wanted Verma out, while Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge voiced objections. Kharge's dissent note claimed that only three of the 10 allegations against Verma were "substantiated", and that there was "no evidence" of Verma having taken bribes, as alleged by the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC).
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