#CBIvsCBI: CVC submits inquiry report, hearing deferred till Friday
In compliance with an earlier Supreme Court order, the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has submitted its report of inquiry against CBI Director Alok Verma to the apex court. Meanwhile, the CBI also submitted a report on decisions taken by interim Director Nageshwar Rao in Verma's absence. The hearing on the matter has now been deferred till Friday, November 16. Here's more.
Earlier developments in the case
Earlier, on October 26, the Supreme Court directed the CVC to complete its inquiry against CBI Director Alok Verma, and submit the report within two weeks. The inquiry was to be completed under the supervision of a former SC judge. The apex court had also told the CBI that no major policy decisions could be taken by interim Director Nageshwar Rao till further notice.
The origins of the internal feud
The cracks in the CBI command started to show in October 2017 when Director Alok Verma objected to the appointment of Rakesh Asthana as second-in-command, alleging corruption on Asthana's part in connection to the Sterling Biotech case. However, the CVC, which supervises the CBI's functioning, cleared Asthana's appointment. In October this year, the CBI booked Asthana on charges of bribery, while Asthana accused Verma of corruption.
Allegations and counter allegations
Verma had initially alleged that Asthana had been paid Rs. 3.88cr in connection with the Sterling Biotech case. While filing charges against Asthana, the CBI then alleged that Rs. 3cr had been paid to the Special Director as bribes. Asthana, on his part, complained to the Cabinet Secretary, listing over a dozen charges against Verma, including charges of bribery in the Moin Qureshi case.
Major developments in the case since charges were filed
With the feud escalating, the Centre, in an unprecedented move, removed Verma and Asthana from duty and sent them on leave on October 23. The following day, Verma challenged his removal at the Supreme Court, which sent notices to both the Central government and the CVC. Another accused in the Asthana bribery case, CBI DSP Devender Kumar, was arrested.
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