‘CBI Chief Alok Verma Was Not About To Order Investigation Into Rafale Deal’, Agency Rubbishes Fake News

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), India’s premier investigation agency, rejected allegations that former director, Alok Verma was in-charge of several crucial cases, including the Rafale deal, as reported by The New Indian Express.

"This is being manufactured by vested interests. Every file in the CBI at each level is accounted for," CBI Spokesperson Abhishek Dayal said in reference to misleading press stories.

The CBI has been embroiled in an unfortunate controversy over the past week as the tussle between the director and his deputy, Special Director, Rakesh Asthana, came out in the open. The NDA government moved in swiftly, and sent both the top officials, on leave to protect the agency’s integrity and reputation.

Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley, also noted that a SIT (Special Investigation Team) has been formed to look into the corruption charges levelled against Mr Asthana. In the meanwhile, IPS officer, Nageshwar Rao has been appointed as the head of CBI as an interim measure.

It was reported in the Economic Times that Rahul Gandhi, President of Congress, called the removal of Alok Verma as ‘illegal’ and as an attempt by the government to block an investigation of "corruption" in the Rafale fighter jet deal.

The CBI director is appointed by a high-powered selection committee consisting of the Chief Justice of India (CJI), the Prime Minister and the Leader of Opposition. He can be removed on the grounds of misbehaviour by the President of India, only after an enquiry.