CBI Boss Alok Verma sacked: What it means and All we know so far

On the wee hours of Wednesday, the government stepped into the in-fight within CBI, and decided to sack Alok Verma as the Director while sending the agency's No. 2, Rakesh Asthana on a leave. Further, for the interim period, IPS Nageshwar Rao has been elevated as the CBI boss. CBI's No.1 Verma was accused by Asthana of corruption, though, the agency had booked case of bribery against Asthana himself earlier this month.

Here are the following implications which can be seen from this decision by the government:

1. CBI chief and his deputy will be examined 
2. New team to handle sensitive cases
3. Top CBI officials replaced as part of shake up 
4. All investigating officers looking at Asthana case replaced 
5. Cases against Asthana are on fast track

These are the following points which needs to be noted following the sacking of CBI boss Alok Verma and the appointment of Nageshwar Rao as the boss:

1. Both CBI director and Asthana have been asked to step aside till investigation is complete
2. This is as per the recommendation of the CVC
3. Superintendence of investigation is under CVC as per the law
4. CVC has said that since there are charges and counter charges both have to step aside for a fair investigation
5. Crisis can't continue and as per the law there is a cloud on both so both have to step aside till investigation is done
6. Those questioning the government decision must clarify whether they want anarchy: Top government sources
7. Even if they challenge the SC won't entertain it: Top government sources
8. Both Verma and Asthana were under investigation, CBI's No.3 Alok Sharma is also closely identified. Hence, the No.4 Nageshwar Rao was elevated as the top boss of the agency.

The CBI, India's premier investigative agency, was in the midst of an internal war between its two top officials, Director Alok Verma and Special Director Rakesh Asthana, with the latter having a bribery case filed against him, and, in turn, alleging that Verma received illegal gratification in the Moin Qureshi case. 

On Tuesday, Rakesh Asthana moved Delhi High Court seeking quashing of FIR and coercive steps against him. Asthana, through his counsel mentioned the matter before the Chief Justice of Delhi High Court in his chamber. 

READ: MASSIVE: CBI Director Alok Verma Sacked; Joint Director M Nageshwar Rao Steps In As Government Acts

Later in the day, the Delhi High Court denied to stay the proceedings against Asthana and DSP Devendra Kumar. While denying to stay the proceedings, the High Court said that all electronic records of the accused to be preserved including mobile phones, laptops etc.