Alok Kumar Verma, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) chief who has been divested of his powers, appeared before the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) on Thursday in connection with the ongoing inquiry into allegations and counter-allegations between him and his deputy Rakesh Asthana.
Mr. Verma has refuted the charges against him. Under his supervision, the agency had earlier informed the Commission that Mr. Asthana’s role was under the scanner in half-a-dozen cases.
The Commission has summoned Mr. Verma again on Friday.
When asked, Mr. Asthana denied the reports about him also having deposed before the CVC on Thursday.
The Commission also examined Hyderabad-based businessman Sathish Babu Sana, on whose complaint the agency had last month registered a case of alleged extortion and corruption against Mr. Asthana and others. He has been summoned twice earlier.
As directed by the Supreme Court on October 26, the inquiry — under the supervision of retired Justice A.K. Patnaik — has to be concluded in two weeks.
Through the Cabinet Secretary, the Commission had in September received a complaint from Mr. Asthana against the CBI Director, alleging misconduct, interference in investigations and graft. Subsequently, the CVC sought all the relevant files from the agency.
In its order dated October 23, recommending that Mr. Verma be divested of his powers, the Commission had charged him with not cooperating in the inquiry against him as several files had not been furnished despite reminders. Mr. Asthana was also stripped of his powers pending inquiry into the allegations against him.
After completing the inquiry, the CVC will produce a report on its findings before the Supreme Court. The next date of hearing has been fixed for November 12.
