Transferred On Basis Of False, Unsubstantiated And Frivolous Charges: Alok Verma
Mumbai: On Thursday, Former CBI Chief Alok Verma strikes back at the Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the committee for abruptly pushing him out of the office based on bribery allegations and said it is “sad” that he has been shifted on “false, unsubstantiated and frivolous” charges.
The CBI Director was removed yesterday from his post after three-member high committee declared that he had not functioned with required determination.
Addressing to news agency PTI on Thursday, Verma said that the Central Bureau Investigation should work without external interference. He said,” The CBI must function without external influences… I have aimed to uphold the integrity of the premier investigating agency while there were attempts to destroy it… One can make that out from the orders the central government and the CVC gave on 23 October 2018… They were without jurisdiction.”
The ex-CBI Chief also fought for the independence of the agency and for the freedom of the premier institution that investigates corruption in corridors of power.
“It is sad that I was transferred to another post on the orders of the committee based on false, unsubstantiated and frivolous allegations made by only one person,” he added.
In a history of 55 years of CBI, Verma is the first CBI chief to be removed from his post. His two-year tenure is still due till January 31. He has been posted as Director General, Fire Service, Civil Defence and Home Guards, under the Union Home Ministry. Further Director M Nageshwar Rao will be the interim boss of the country’s premier investigation agency.
The Committee looked into the enquiry report given by the Central Vigilance Commission, which has a directing role over the CBI, for deciding on the act of Verma, say sources. The said CVC report had levelled eight counts of charges against Verma.
According to the reports, there have been telephonic interceptions by external spy agency – Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) – to accuse Verma of corruption and negligence of duty. It said in the intercepts, “money changing hands with number one in the CBI” is discussed.
It is also said that the case of controversial meat exporter Moin Qureshi and apparent CBI team examining the matter had sought to make Hyderabad-based businessman Sathish Babu Sana a victim in the case, but Verma never gave the go ahead. Rakesh Asthana, Special Director investigated the whole matter. Who was also sent on forced leave along with Verma on October 23, 2018.
