CBI Director Alok Verma and Special Director Rakesh Asthana sent on leave; Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal hints conspiracy by centre

Hours after the government intervened into the big in-fight within the CBI, sending both Director Alok Verma and Special Director Rakesh Asthana on leave, the opposition has attacked PM Modi and the BJP of meddling in the matters of the investigative agency.

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, while questioning the reason behind sending Verma on leave, has accused the centre of trying to hide something. His message on social media website Twitter read:

"What are the reasons for sending CBI director on leave? Under which law did the Modi govt get the authority to initiate action against the chief of an investigating agency appointed as per the Lokpal Act ? What is Modi govt trying to hide?"

Kejriwal's No.2 in the Delhi government and Depiuty CM Manish Sisodia also attacked the centre on this matter. "While sending the CBI Director on leave, who is trying to investigate the CBI office? Rumors had been making round that Verma was about to start investigation on Rafale deal, but now he has been sent on leave. By removing him, are the papers of Rafale going to be searched?," he mentioned on Twitter. 

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

On the wee hours of Wednesday, amidst the mudslinging in the CBI, the government 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.

READ: CBI Boss Alok Verma Sacked: What It Means And All We Know So Far

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. 

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.

READ: CBI Director Alok Verma, Special Director Rakesh Asthana Sent On Leave: Congress Leader Randeep Singh Surjewala Questions Government’s Move, Says, ‘Systematic Dismantling & Denigrating Of CBI Is Now Complete’