The CBI just raided its own headquarters: Here's why
What's the story
In what marked an unprecedented move, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) raided its own headquarters on Monday in search of evidence in an alleged bribery case involving its second-in-command, Special Director Rakesh Asthana. Additionally, the CBI also arrested its Deputy Superintendent of Police (SP) Devender Kumar in connection with the bribery allegations against Asthana. Here are the details.
Context
Backstory: A week back, the CBI accused its second-in-command
The raid comes a week after the CBI named Special Director Rakesh Asthana, and Research & Analysis Wing (RAW) second-in-command, Special Director Samant Kumar Goel, for allegedly taking bribes from Hyderabad-based businessman, Sana Satish, in the Moin Qureshi corruption case. However, unlike Asthana, Goel was not named as an accused, and his role in the case is still under investigation by the CBI.
Allegations
Backstory: The bribery allegations against Special Director Rakesh Asthana
On October 4, Hyderabad-based businessman Sana Satish gave a statement in court naming Asthana, Dubai-based middleman Manoj Prasad, and Prasad's relative Somesh Srivastava. Satish, whose role in the Qureshi case is under investigation, alleged that he had paid Rs. 3cr to the aforementioned parties over 10 months to stay away from the CBI investigation, which was being conducted by an SIT headed by Asthana.
Raid
Why the CBI arrested Deputy SP Devender Kumar
Monday's arrest of Deputy SP Devender Kumar was based on allegations that he committed forgery while recording Satish's statement. The CBI alleged that Kumar had forged a statement by Satish that cast aspersions on CBI Director Alok Verma. The CBI also said that the forged statement corroborated "baseless allegations" of bribery that Asthana had made against Verma in August this year.