The din over the pre-Diwali implosion within the CBI refuses to die down as the Supreme Court on Friday directed the Central Vigilance Commissioner to complete the probe against CBI chief Alok Verma within two weeks. Verma, along with his deputy, special director Rakesh Asthana, was forced to go on leave by the Modi government in a midnight order last week. Verma had knocked on the doors of the apex court challenging the government order.

A former SC judge shall oversee the CVC enquiry against Verma. The court also reined in interim director Nageswara Rao asking him to refrain from taking policy decisions till pending enquiry.

The drama over the feud between CBI’s two top bosses spilled over in the courtroom on Friday when the SC refused to hear Asthana’s petition on the ground that his petition was not listed. The Centre pleaded the CVC inquiry should also include enquiry against Asthana but the Court dismissed it saying it was only concerned with Verma’s case.

Challenging the government order, Verma cites the SC-mandated order that protects the two-year tenure of the CBI director. Also, that the concurrence of the committee responsible for the selection of the CBI director has to be taken to transfer the CBI director, which, in his case, has been bypassed by the Centre. But Verma’s petition does not stop at just that.

In his petition Verma builds his case to suggest how political influence is being brought to bear upon the investigating agency, which is not always explicit or in writing. “More often than not, it is tacit, and requires considerable courage to withstand it.”

While Verma’s plea is confined to restoring his authority and position for the rest of his term, his petition does touch upon the grey areas within which the CBI has to mostly operate. By raking up the issue of political influence, Verma is not stating anything new but only confirming the fears that the CBI, after all, ends up as handmaid of the powers-that-be.

The CBI was set up in 1963 with the exclusive motive of investigating complicated cases of crimes such as murder and kidnapping. It soon established its reputation as India’s foremost investigating agency, gradually taking up cases of terrorism also. But the criminal-politician nexus grew and matters reached a head in the Eighties.

The judiciary’s pro-active interference led to many high-profile cases landing up at the CBI’s doorstep. As the economy opened up, it also flung its doors wider for financial corruption of humongous magnitude.

No wonder, in 1987, the CBI was divided into several divisions, the prominent being the anti-corruption wing, the economic offences section, and the special crimes division.

As the country entered the coalition era in the Nineties, political parties dropped all pretences of safeguarding CBI’s integrity. The CBI was used not merely as a stick to beat one’s political rival with but also to keep the coalition together and the government afloat.

So despite the CBI investigating cases of Taj corridor or disproportionate assets, regional satraps like Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mayawati, for instance, were being courted and browbeaten as the popularity of the ruling party waxed and waned.

Majority governments used ‘tacit influence’– the kind Verma talks about in his petition – rather ingeniously. Therefore, the CBI looked the other way when Jagdish Tytler was discharged from the lower courts in cases of anti-Sikh riots of 1984.

It wasn’t much different for other celebrated cases like the Bofors, involving mega bribes and Quattrocchi. The allegations of political interference have only amplified with the passing years.

By 2012, the new CBI director Ranjit Sinha under UPA-2 took it to a different level, trying desperately to be more loyal than the king. It was reported that the accused in 2G and coal scam cases had access to Sinha’s official residence.

Meat exporter Moin Qureshi, linked to the current CBI crisis, involved in several cases of corruption and money laundering, reportedly visited the official residence of CBI director Ranjit Kumar 70 times during 2013-14.

The current crisis of credibility in the CBI has all the shades of yesterday once more. Only that this time the CBI is at war with itself. Verma has accused Asthana of “creating hurdles” in decisions crucial to the progress of investigation of certain sensitive cases and has “concocted evidence” to malign his reputation.

The big question is why do governments need a pliant man in CBI; what does it say about the integrity of the agency? How can we ensure a climate of fair and impartial investigation? Will the current crisis serve as a wake-up call for decision makers to consider granting more autonomy to the CBI that minimises incidence of conflict of interest or, better still, insulates it from any “outside influence”?

The CBI implosion comes at a time when political parties are girding their loins for yet another battle for Lok Sabha. Opposition parties gave a political twist to the CBI feud linking it to Rafale fighter scam. They claimed Verma was forced to exit because he had stumbled upon complaints that linked Modi government to the Rafale scam.

All eyes shall be on the Supreme Court on November 12 when it takes stock of the CVC report. The apex court’s decision shall not only have a bearing on the fate of CBI but shall also influence the course of politics which is being increasingly determined by the narrative of political corruption.

(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-more-than-just-a-turf-war-2680022">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The din over the pre-Diwali implosion within the CBI refuses to die down as the Supreme Court on Friday directed the Central Vigilance Commissioner to complete the probe against CBI chief Alok Verma within two weeks.

The din over the pre-Diwali implosion within the CBI refuses to die down as the Supreme Court on Friday directed the Central Vigilance Commissioner to complete the probe against CBI chief Alok Verma within two weeks. Verma, along with his deputy, special director Rakesh Asthana, was forced to go on leave by the Modi government in a midnight order last week. Verma had knocked on the doors of the apex court challenging the government order. A former SC judge shall oversee the CVC enquiry against Verma. The court also reined in interim director Nageswara Rao asking him to refrain from taking policy decisions till pending enquiry. The drama over the feud between CBI’s two top bosses spilled over in the courtroom on Friday when the SC refused to hear Asthana’s petition on the ground that his petition was not listed. The Centre pleaded the CVC inquiry should also include enquiry against Asthana but the Court dismissed it saying it was only concerned with Verma’s case. Challenging the government order, Verma cites the SC-mandated order that protects the two-year tenure of the CBI director. Also, that the concurrence of the committee responsible for the selection of the CBI director has to be taken to transfer the CBI director, which, in his case, has been bypassed by the Centre. But Verma’s petition does not stop at just that. In his petition Verma builds his case to suggest how political influence is being brought to bear upon the investigating agency, which is not always explicit or in writing. “More often than not, it is tacit, and requires considerable courage to withstand it.” While Verma’s plea is confined to restoring his authority and position for the rest of his term, his petition does touch upon the grey areas within which the CBI has to mostly operate. By raking up the issue of political influence, Verma is not stating anything new but only confirming the fears that the CBI, after all, ends up as handmaid of the powers-that-be. The CBI was set up in 1963 with the exclusive motive of investigating complicated cases of crimes such as murder and kidnapping. It soon established its reputation as India’s foremost investigating agency, gradually taking up cases of terrorism also. But the criminal-politician nexus grew and matters reached a head in the Eighties. The judiciary’s pro-active interference led to many high-profile cases landing up at the CBI’s doorstep. As the economy opened up, it also flung its doors wider for financial corruption of humongous magnitude. No wonder, in 1987, the CBI was divided into several divisions, the prominent being the anti-corruption wing, the economic offences section, and the special crimes division. As the country entered the coalition era in the Nineties, political parties dropped all pretences of safeguarding CBI’s integrity. The CBI was used not merely as a stick to beat one’s political rival with but also to keep the coalition together and the government afloat. So despite the CBI investigating cases of Taj corridor or disproportionate assets, regional satraps like Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mayawati, for instance, were being courted and browbeaten as the popularity of the ruling party waxed and waned. Majority governments used ‘tacit influence’– the kind Verma talks about in his petition – rather ingeniously. Therefore, the CBI looked the other way when Jagdish Tytler was discharged from the lower courts in cases of anti-Sikh riots of 1984. It wasn’t much different for other celebrated cases like the Bofors, involving mega bribes and Quattrocchi. The allegations of political interference have only amplified with the passing years. By 2012, the new CBI director Ranjit Sinha under UPA-2 took it to a different level, trying desperately to be more loyal than the king. It was reported that the accused in 2G and coal scam cases had access to Sinha’s official residence. Meat exporter Moin Qureshi, linked to the current CBI crisis, involved in several cases of corruption and money laundering, reportedly visited the official residence of CBI director Ranjit Kumar 70 times during 2013-14. The current crisis of credibility in the CBI has all the shades of yesterday once more. Only that this time the CBI is at war with itself. Verma has accused Asthana of “creating hurdles” in decisions crucial to the progress of investigation of certain sensitive cases and has “concocted evidence” to malign his reputation. The big question is why do governments need a pliant man in CBI; what does it say about the integrity of the agency? How can we ensure a climate of fair and impartial investigation? Will the current crisis serve as a wake-up call for decision makers to consider granting more autonomy to the CBI that minimises incidence of conflict of interest or, better still, insulates it from any “outside influence”? The CBI implosion comes at a time when political parties are girding their loins for yet another battle for Lok Sabha. Opposition parties gave a political twist to the CBI feud linking it to Rafale fighter scam. They claimed Verma was forced to exit because he had stumbled upon complaints that linked Modi government to the Rafale scam. All eyes shall be on the Supreme Court on November 12 when it takes stock of the CVC report. The apex court’s decision shall not only have a bearing on the fate of CBI but shall also influence the course of politics which is being increasingly determined by the narrative of political corruption. (This article was originally published on DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

More than just a turf war

Special Director Rakesh Asthana, embroiled in an unprecedented feud with CBI Chief Alok Verma, moved the Supreme Court on Friday challenging the Centre's decision to divest him of duties and sending him on leave and claimed that he was a "whistle-blower".

In his petition, Asthana has also sought the removal of the CBI director from his post.

When a bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph was hearing Verma's petition, the counsel appearing for Asthana drew the attention to the plea filed by him.&nbsp;

However, the bench said that it cannot grant any hearing on the oral submission as Asthana's petition was not before it.

"We cannot hear something which is not before us," the bench said.&nbsp;

Senior advocate and former Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Asthana, submitted that the petition has been filed before the Registry and sought that it be listed on October 29.

"We will see," the bench said.

Rohatgi further said that Asthana has also been made a party in the PIL, filed by NGO 'Common Cause', seeking the court-monitored SIT probe into allegations of corruption against top officials of the probe agency.

Asthana, a 1986-batch Gujarat-cadre IPS officer who had probed the sensational fodder scam cases involving former Bihar chief ministers Lalu Prasad and Jagnnath Mishra, has sought setting aside of the October 23 decision of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) to divest him of his power and sending him on leave.

The petition, filed through lawyer Amit Anand Tiwari, referred to the sequence of events and said it was Asthana who has acted as a whistle-blower by approaching the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) on August 24 with the corruption complaint against the CBI Director.

While the CBI Director was given opportunities to respond to the complaint before the CVC, Asthana was divested of his office without being granted an opportunity to respond.

The Special Director's plea accused the Centre of siding with the corrupt CBI chief and alleged that he has been victimised for his bonafide actions.

The action against him cannot be taken on the ground of parity, it added.&nbsp;

Asthana had on August 24 had lodged a complaint to the Cabinet Secretary alleging misconduct by CBI Director and the matter was referred to the CVC for further action.

The CBI Director, in turn, told the CVC that Asthana was facing probe in six cases of corruption.

The probe agency then, on October 15, lodged the FIR with bribery allegations against Asthana, Deputy Superintendent of Police Devender Kumar, Dubai-based investment banker Manoj Prasad and his brother Somesh Prasad.&nbsp;

Kumar is in the CBI custody.&nbsp;

Special Director Rakesh Asthana, embroiled in an unprecedented feud with CBI Chief Alok Verma, moved the Supreme Court on Friday challenging the Centre's decision to divest him of duties and sending him on leave and claimed that he was a "whistle-blower".

Special Director Rakesh Asthana, embroiled in an unprecedented feud with CBI Chief Alok Verma, moved the Supreme Court on Friday challenging the Centre's decision to divest him of duties and sending him on leave and claimed that he was a "whistle-blower". In his petition, Asthana has also sought the removal of the CBI director from his post. When a bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph was hearing Verma's petition, the counsel appearing for Asthana drew the attention to the plea filed by him. However, the bench said that it cannot grant any hearing on the oral submission as Asthana's petition was not before it. "We cannot hear something which is not before us," the bench said. Senior advocate and former Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Asthana, submitted that the petition has been filed before the Registry and sought that it be listed on October 29. "We will see," the bench said. Rohatgi further said that Asthana has also been made a party in the PIL, filed by NGO 'Common Cause', seeking the court-monitored SIT probe into allegations of corruption against top officials of the probe agency. Asthana, a 1986-batch Gujarat-cadre IPS officer who had probed the sensational fodder scam cases involving former Bihar chief ministers Lalu Prasad and Jagnnath Mishra, has sought setting aside of the October 23 decision of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) to divest him of his power and sending him on leave. The petition, filed through lawyer Amit Anand Tiwari, referred to the sequence of events and said it was Asthana who has acted as a whistle-blower by approaching the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) on August 24 with the corruption complaint against the CBI Director. While the CBI Director was given opportunities to respond to the complaint before the CVC, Asthana was divested of his office without being granted an opportunity to respond. The Special Director's plea accused the Centre of siding with the corrupt CBI chief and alleged that he has been victimised for his bonafide actions. The action against him cannot be taken on the ground of parity, it added. Asthana had on August 24 had lodged a complaint to the Cabinet Secretary alleging misconduct by CBI Director and the matter was referred to the CVC for further action. The CBI Director, in turn, told the CVC that Asthana was facing probe in six cases of corruption. The probe agency then, on October 15, lodged the FIR with bribery allegations against Asthana, Deputy Superintendent of Police Devender Kumar, Dubai-based investment banker Manoj Prasad and his brother Somesh Prasad. Kumar is in the CBI custody.

Special CBI Director Rakesh Asthana moves SC against Centre's decision to divest him of duties 

The Supreme Court Friday sought a response from Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) and the Centre on agency Director Alok Kumar Verma's plea challenging the government's decision to divest him of his duties and send him on leave.

The apex court directed that interim CBI chief M Nageswara Rao shall not take any major policy decisions. Decisions taken by him since October 23 till date shall not be implemented, it said.

All decisions taken by Rao shall be placed before the apex court in a sealed cover.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi heard the plea. Senior advocate F S Nariman advanced arguments on behalf of the CBI chief.

Nariman referred to the CVC and Centre's orders divesting Verma of his duty. He also cited the Vineet Narain judgment to support Verma's pleas.

The bench, also comprising Justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph, issued notices on the petition filed by an NGO, Common Cause, which has sought a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe against the CBI officers.

CBI's Special Director Rakesh Asthana has also been named as one of the respondents in the NGO's petition.

Verma and Asthana have made allegations of corruption against each other.

The top court today said former Supreme Court judge A K Patnaik will oversee a Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) inquiry into the allegations and counter allegations and the report has to be placed before it within two weeks.

Next date of hearing has been scheduled to November 12.

The Supreme Court Friday sought a response from Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) and the Centre on agency Director Alok Kumar Verma's plea challenging the government's decision to divest him of his duties and send him on leave.

The Supreme Court Friday sought a response from Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) and the Centre on agency Director Alok Kumar Verma's plea challenging the government's decision to divest him of his duties and send him on leave. The apex court directed that interim CBI chief M Nageswara Rao shall not take any major policy decisions. Decisions taken by him since October 23 till date shall not be implemented, it said. All decisions taken by Rao shall be placed before the apex court in a sealed cover. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi heard the plea. Senior advocate F S Nariman advanced arguments on behalf of the CBI chief. Nariman referred to the CVC and Centre's orders divesting Verma of his duty. He also cited the Vineet Narain judgment to support Verma's pleas. The bench, also comprising Justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph, issued notices on the petition filed by an NGO, Common Cause, which has sought a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe against the CBI officers. CBI's Special Director Rakesh Asthana has also been named as one of the respondents in the NGO's petition. Verma and Asthana have made allegations of corruption against each other. The top court today said former Supreme Court judge A K Patnaik will oversee a Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) inquiry into the allegations and counter allegations and the report has to be placed before it within two weeks. Next date of hearing has been scheduled to November 12.

Alok Verma case: SC orders CVC probe, asks interim CBI chief not to take policy decisions

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said that his party will stage protests against what he described as ''PM’s disgraceful attempt to prevent an investigation into the Rafale scam, by removing the CBI Chief. &nbsp;

According to Rahul's tweet, the party would stage protests in front of CBI offices across the country on Friday.&nbsp;

''Tomorrow, outside CBI offices nationwide, the Congress party will protest the PM’s disgraceful attempt to prevent an investigation into the Rafale scam, by removing the CBI Chief. &nbsp;I will lead the protests outside CBI HQ in Delhi, at 11 AM,'' the Congress president said in the tweet.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) &nbsp;director Alok Verma and his deputy Rakesh Asthana were divested of all duties late on Tuesday following a feud between the two.

Joint director M Nageswar Rao, a 1986-batch Orissa-cadre officer, who was asked to take over as acting chief immediately, in his first order, removed the entire team probing the bribery case against Asthana, including Ajay Bassi, the investigation officer (IO) and deputy inspector general Manish Sinha. (Follow live updates here)

Meanwhile, Verma has moved the Supreme Court challenging his removal and the appointment of a new director. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi will hear plea on Friday.

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Tomorrow, outside CBI offices nationwide, the Congress party will protest the PM’s disgraceful attempt to prevent an investigation into the Rafale scam, by removing the CBI Chief. 
 
I will lead the protests outside CBI HQ in Delhi, at 11 AM. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CBIRafaleGate?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CBIRafaleGate</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1055485702283161601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said that his party will stage protests against what he described as ''PM’s disgraceful attempt to prevent an investigation into the Rafale scam, by removing the CBI Chief.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said that his party will stage protests against what he described as ''PM’s disgraceful attempt to prevent an investigation into the Rafale scam, by removing the CBI Chief. According to Rahul's tweet, the party would stage protests in front of CBI offices across the country on Friday. ''Tomorrow, outside CBI offices nationwide, the Congress party will protest the PM’s disgraceful attempt to prevent an investigation into the Rafale scam, by removing the CBI Chief. I will lead the protests outside CBI HQ in Delhi, at 11 AM,'' the Congress president said in the tweet. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) director Alok Verma and his deputy Rakesh Asthana were divested of all duties late on Tuesday following a feud between the two. Joint director M Nageswar Rao, a 1986-batch Orissa-cadre officer, who was asked to take over as acting chief immediately, in his first order, removed the entire team probing the bribery case against Asthana, including Ajay Bassi, the investigation officer (IO) and deputy inspector general Manish Sinha. (Follow live updates here) Meanwhile, Verma has moved the Supreme Court challenging his removal and the appointment of a new director. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi will hear plea on Friday. Tomorrow, outside CBI offices nationwide, the Congress party will protest the PM’s disgraceful attempt to prevent an investigation into the Rafale scam, by removing the CBI Chief. I will lead the protests outside CBI HQ in Delhi, at 11 AM. #CBIRafaleGate — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) October 25, 2018 ×

Congress to hold protest outside CBI offices against removal of Alok Verma

CBI spokesperson on Thursday said that Alok Verma and Rakesh Asthana would remain CBI director and special director, respectively.&nbsp;

Alok Verma will continue to remain CBI director and Rakesh Asthana as special director. M Nageshwar Rao will look after duties and functions of the CBI director in the interim period till the time CVC looks into the allegations, the CBI official spokesperson said.

The spokesperson further said that whatever they are doing is to ensure that the credibility of the agency does not suffer.&nbsp;

''We are conscious of the fact that any fall in credibility and image of the agency has the potential to impact the important cases we are fighting internationally. Whatever we are doing is to ensure that credibility of the agency does not suffer,'' spokesperson further said.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, Verma and Asthana were asked to go on leave in the midst of an internal rift over bribery allegations against the latter.&nbsp;

The feud between Verma and Asthana has been marked by allegations and counter-allegations of corruption and interference in high-profile cases.

CBI joint director Nageshwar Rao will take charge of the investigation agency as new interim chief.

CBI spokesperson on Thursday said that Alok Verma and Rakesh Asthana would remain CBI director and special director, respectively. Alok Verma will continue to remain CBI director and Rakesh Asthana as special director.

CBI spokesperson on Thursday said that Alok Verma and Rakesh Asthana would remain CBI director and special director, respectively. Alok Verma will continue to remain CBI director and Rakesh Asthana as special director. M Nageshwar Rao will look after duties and functions of the CBI director in the interim period till the time CVC looks into the allegations, the CBI official spokesperson said. The spokesperson further said that whatever they are doing is to ensure that the credibility of the agency does not suffer. ''We are conscious of the fact that any fall in credibility and image of the agency has the potential to impact the important cases we are fighting internationally. Whatever we are doing is to ensure that credibility of the agency does not suffer,'' spokesperson further said. On Wednesday, Verma and Asthana were asked to go on leave in the midst of an internal rift over bribery allegations against the latter. The feud between Verma and Asthana has been marked by allegations and counter-allegations of corruption and interference in high-profile cases. CBI joint director Nageshwar Rao will take charge of the investigation agency as new interim chief.

Alok Verma to remain CBI director, Rakesh Asthana special director: CBI spokesperson

Watch: WION Fineprint, 24th October, 2018

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-top-boss-and-deputy-removed-nageswar-rao-takes-interim-charge-173104">Crisis in CBI: Nageswar Rao takes interim charge, director Alok Verma and Rakesh Asthana asked to go on leave</a>

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) top boss Alok Verma and Rakesh Asthana, the special director who is the No 2 at CBI have been asked to go on leave in the midst of an internal rift over bribery allegations against the latter.&nbsp;CBI joint director Nageshwar Rao will take charge of the investigation agency as new interim chief.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/khashoggi-killing-trump-slams-worst-cover-up-ever-173083">Trump says Saudis staged 'worst cover-up ever' on Khashoggi; </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/khashoggi-killing-trump-slams-worst-cover-up-ever-173083">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/khashoggi-killing-trump-slams-worst-cover-up-ever-173083"> revokes visas of some Saudis</a>

President Donald Trump said on Tuesday said Saudi authorities staged the "worst cover-up ever" in the&nbsp;killing of prominent journalist Jamal Khashoggithis month, as the United States vowed to revoke the visas of some of those believed to be responsible.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-ronaldos-juventus-beat-manchester-united-173091">Champions League: Ronaldo's Juventus beat Manchester United</a>

An impressive Juventus beat Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford on Tuesday to take command of Champions League Group H with a maximum nine points from three games and demonstrate just how far Jose Mourinho's side are from Europe's elite.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/petrol-diesel-prices-decline-for-seventh-straight-day-check-rates-in-delhi-mumbai-173086">Petrol prices decline for </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/petrol-diesel-prices-decline-for-seventh-straight-day-check-rates-in-delhi-mumbai-173086">seventh</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/petrol-diesel-prices-decline-for-seventh-straight-day-check-rates-in-delhi-mumbai-173086"> straight day: Check rates in Delhi, Mumbai</a>

Fuel prices witnessed further reduction on Wednesday, providing some relief to consumers from relentless rate hikes.&nbsp;The petrol price in Delhi was revised to Rs 81.25 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.09), while that in Mumbai was Rs 86.73 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.08).

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/hurricane-willa-makes-landfall-in-mexico-173093">Hurricane Willa makes landfall in Mexico</a>

Hurricane Willa made landfall in Mexico Tuesday, lashing the Pacific coast with powerful wind, heavy rain and what forecasters warned was "extremely dangerous" storm surge.

Crisis in CBI: Nageswar Rao takes interim charge, director Alok Verma and Rakesh Asthana asked to go on leave Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) top boss Alok Verma and Rakesh Asthana, the special director who is the No 2 at CBI have been asked to go on leave in the midst of an internal rift over bribery allegations against the latter.

Crisis in CBI: Nageswar Rao takes interim charge, director Alok Verma and Rakesh Asthana asked to go on leave Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) top boss Alok Verma and Rakesh Asthana, the special director who is the No 2 at CBI have been asked to go on leave in the midst of an internal rift over bribery allegations against the latter. CBI joint director Nageshwar Rao will take charge of the investigation agency as new interim chief. Trump says Saudis staged 'worst cover-up ever' on Khashoggi; US revokes visas of some Saudis President Donald Trump said on Tuesday said Saudi authorities staged the "worst cover-up ever" in the killing of prominent journalist Jamal Khashoggithis month, as the United States vowed to revoke the visas of some of those believed to be responsible. Champions League: Ronaldo's Juventus beat Manchester United An impressive Juventus beat Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford on Tuesday to take command of Champions League Group H with a maximum nine points from three games and demonstrate just how far Jose Mourinho's side are from Europe's elite. Petrol prices decline for seventh straight day: Check rates in Delhi, Mumbai Fuel prices witnessed further reduction on Wednesday, providing some relief to consumers from relentless rate hikes. The petrol price in Delhi was revised to Rs 81.25 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.09), while that in Mumbai was Rs 86.73 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.08). Hurricane Willa makes landfall in Mexico Hurricane Willa made landfall in Mexico Tuesday, lashing the Pacific coast with powerful wind, heavy rain and what forecasters warned was "extremely dangerous" storm surge.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The government on Wednesday alleged that CBI Director Alok Verma did not back up the allegations of corruption against his former second-in-command Rakesh Asthana.&nbsp;

The allegations of corruption were levelled before Asthana was made Special Director of the CBI. Verma had at the time written to the Central Vigilance Commission, saying the bureau was investigating Asthana.&nbsp;

Asthana later wrote to the Cabinet Secretary and the CVC alleging that Verma was guilty of corruption.&nbsp;

A little later the CBI filed an FIR against Asthana.&nbsp;

The government stepped in on Wednesday, sending both Verma and Asthana on leave. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-action-intended-to-restore-credibility-of-cbi-arun-jaitley-on-sending-cbi-directors-on-leave-173155">it was necessary to do so</a> to maintain the credibility of the country's premier investigative agency.&nbsp;

In its statement on Wednesday, the government said the CVC, on receipt of a complaint on August 24, 2018 containing various allegations against senior functionaries of the CBI, had served three notices under Section 11 of the CVC Act, 2003 on September 11 on the CBI director to produce files and documents before the commission on September 14.&nbsp;

Various opportunities were given to produce such records and after several adjournments, the CBI assured the commission on September 24 of furnishing them within three weeks.&nbsp;

"Despite repeated assurances and reminders, the Director, CBI, failed to furnish the records/files before the commission. The CVC has observed that Director, CBI, has not been cooperating in making available records/files sought by the commission relating to serious allegations," the statement read.

The CVC has also observed that the CBI director has been non-cooperative, non-compliant with the requirements/directions and has created willful obstructions in the functioning of the commission which is a constitutional body.&nbsp;

Asthana is thought of as being close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah.&nbsp;

Asthana handled the Godhra train-burning case which led to the Gujarat riots of 2002, and the Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case in which Shah was at one time accused.

&nbsp;(With inputs from PTI)

The government on Wednesday alleged that CBI Director Alok Verma did not back up the allegations of corruption against his former second-in-command Rakesh Asthana.

The government on Wednesday alleged that CBI Director Alok Verma did not back up the allegations of corruption against his former second-in-command Rakesh Asthana. The allegations of corruption were levelled before Asthana was made Special Director of the CBI. Verma had at the time written to the Central Vigilance Commission, saying the bureau was investigating Asthana. Asthana later wrote to the Cabinet Secretary and the CVC alleging that Verma was guilty of corruption. A little later the CBI filed an FIR against Asthana. The government stepped in on Wednesday, sending both Verma and Asthana on leave. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said it was necessary to do so to maintain the credibility of the country's premier investigative agency. In its statement on Wednesday, the government said the CVC, on receipt of a complaint on August 24, 2018 containing various allegations against senior functionaries of the CBI, had served three notices under Section 11 of the CVC Act, 2003 on September 11 on the CBI director to produce files and documents before the commission on September 14. Various opportunities were given to produce such records and after several adjournments, the CBI assured the commission on September 24 of furnishing them within three weeks. "Despite repeated assurances and reminders, the Director, CBI, failed to furnish the records/files before the commission. The CVC has observed that Director, CBI, has not been cooperating in making available records/files sought by the commission relating to serious allegations," the statement read. The CVC has also observed that the CBI director has been non-cooperative, non-compliant with the requirements/directions and has created willful obstructions in the functioning of the commission which is a constitutional body. Asthana is thought of as being close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah. Asthana handled the Godhra train-burning case which led to the Gujarat riots of 2002, and the Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case in which Shah was at one time accused. (With inputs from PTI)

Alok Verma did not back up allegations against Rakesh Asthana, says government

The Delhi High court on Tuesday refused to stay the FIR filed by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-arrests-its-own-deputy-sp-in-bribery-case-involving-its-special-director-172826">the CBI</a> against its own second-in-command Rakesh Asthana.&nbsp;

The court however added that no action can be taken against Asthana till Monday when CBI Director Alok Verma will have to respond to the allegations levelled by Asthana against Verma.&nbsp;

Both Verma and Asthana have accused each other of corruption.&nbsp;

Verma had accused Asthana — who is a Gujarat cadre officer — of corruption before he was appointed to the CBI. Verma pointed out the alleged corruption to the Central Vigilance Commission.&nbsp;

Asthana in turn wrote to the Central Vigilance Commission and the&nbsp;Cabinet Secretary <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-terms-allegations-against-its-director-alok-verma-as-false-and-malicious-172714">accusing Verma of corruption</a>.&nbsp;

A little later, the CBI filed the FIR against Asthana. Asthana is accused of demanding a bribe of Rs 5 crore to let businessman Satish Sana off the hook in the Moin Qureshi case.&nbsp;

"This is a case of illegal registration of FIR against CBI Spl Director (Asthana) based on a statement of an accused," Asthana's lawyer told the Delhi High Court on Tuesday.&nbsp;

"This matter is of great urgency. The person whose arrest was recommended by Asthana has now been made a complainant and based on his complaint, this FIR has been filed. Any investigation without proper permission will be illegal," Asthana's lawyer added.&nbsp;

The CBI counsel replied: "Charges very serious against the accused including that of bribery. Charges under prevention of corruption act along with criminal conspiracy. Charges of extortion and forgery will be added."&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Delhi High court on Tuesday refused to stay the FIR filed by the CBI against its own second-in-command Rakesh Asthana. The court however added that no action can be taken against Asthana till Monday when CBI Director Alok Verma will have to respond to the allegations levelled by Asthana against Verma.

The Delhi High court on Tuesday refused to stay the FIR filed by the CBI against its own second-in-command Rakesh Asthana. The court however added that no action can be taken against Asthana till Monday when CBI Director Alok Verma will have to respond to the allegations levelled by Asthana against Verma. Both Verma and Asthana have accused each other of corruption. Verma had accused Asthana — who is a Gujarat cadre officer — of corruption before he was appointed to the CBI. Verma pointed out the alleged corruption to the Central Vigilance Commission. Asthana in turn wrote to the Central Vigilance Commission and the Cabinet Secretary accusing Verma of corruption. A little later, the CBI filed the FIR against Asthana. Asthana is accused of demanding a bribe of Rs 5 crore to let businessman Satish Sana off the hook in the Moin Qureshi case. "This is a case of illegal registration of FIR against CBI Spl Director (Asthana) based on a statement of an accused," Asthana's lawyer told the Delhi High Court on Tuesday. "This matter is of great urgency. The person whose arrest was recommended by Asthana has now been made a complainant and based on his complaint, this FIR has been filed. Any investigation without proper permission will be illegal," Asthana's lawyer added. The CBI counsel replied: "Charges very serious against the accused including that of bribery. Charges under prevention of corruption act along with criminal conspiracy. Charges of extortion and forgery will be added."

Delhi High Court refuses to stay FIR filed by CBI against CBI's 2nd-in-command

In an unprecedented move, the CBI has booked its second in command, Rakesh Asthana, on the allegations of receiving bribe from an accused probed by him in a case linked to meat exporter Moin Qureshi -- a charge levelled by the officer on CBI Director Alok Verma in his complaint to the Cabinet Secretary two months ago.

The CBI registered the case -- FIR RC 13(A) of 2018 -- against CBI Special Director Asthana on October 15 on the basis of a complaint from Satish Sana, facing probe in the 2017 case allegedly involving meat exporter Moin Qureshi, alleging the officer had allegedly helped him to get a clean chit.

The CBI has also arrested Manoj Prasad, believed to be a middleman, when he returned from Dubai on October 16.

The agency has, however, maintained a silence on the issue.

It is alleged by Sana that Prasad and his brother Somesh had taken money to arrange clean chit to him.&nbsp;

Gujarat-cadre IPS officer Asthana, who is heading the Special Investigating Team handling crucial cases such as AgustaWestland chopper scam and loan fraud by business tycoon Vijay Mallya. The team is also probing the Moin Qureshi case.

Asthana in an exhaustive letter to the Cabinet Secretary on August 24 had given a list of 10 instances of alleged corruption by Verma in which it was alleged that Sana paid the CBI chief Rs 2 crore to get clean chit in the case, government sources said.

This complaint was referred to the Central Vigilance Commission which is probing the matter, they said.

Asthana has again written to the Central Vigilance Commissioner on October 19 -- four days after the FIR was registered -- informing him that he wanted to arrest and interrogate Sana for which a proposal was sent to the Director on September 20, 2018, they said.

In the letter, he has also referred to his communication to Cabinet Secretary on August 24 in which details of alleged irregularities against the Director were given.

He said the Director allegedly held the file for nearly four days and marked to the Director of Prosecution (DoP) on September 24, 2018 who demanded all evidence available on record, the sources said.

It was the team under Asthana which had opened a lookout circular against Sana who attempted to flee the country but could not because of the preemptive action, they said.

Asthana has said that the file was again placed before the Director on October 3 with answers to the queries raised by the DoP but it has not been returned till date, the sources said.

Sana was questioned by the SIT on October 1, 2018 where he stated that he had met a politician, who after meeting Verma, had assured him that his name would be cleared from the case, they said citing submissions of Asthana.

In an unprecedented move, the CBI has booked its second in command, Rakesh Asthana, on the allegations of receiving bribe from an accused probed by him in a case linked to meat exporter Moin Qureshi -- a charge levelled by the officer on CBI Director Alok Verma in his complaint to the Cabinet Secretary two months ago.

In an unprecedented move, the CBI has booked its second in command, Rakesh Asthana, on the allegations of receiving bribe from an accused probed by him in a case linked to meat exporter Moin Qureshi -- a charge levelled by the officer on CBI Director Alok Verma in his complaint to the Cabinet Secretary two months ago. The CBI registered the case -- FIR RC 13(A) of 2018 -- against CBI Special Director Asthana on October 15 on the basis of a complaint from Satish Sana, facing probe in the 2017 case allegedly involving meat exporter Moin Qureshi, alleging the officer had allegedly helped him to get a clean chit. The CBI has also arrested Manoj Prasad, believed to be a middleman, when he returned from Dubai on October 16. The agency has, however, maintained a silence on the issue. It is alleged by Sana that Prasad and his brother Somesh had taken money to arrange clean chit to him. Gujarat-cadre IPS officer Asthana, who is heading the Special Investigating Team handling crucial cases such as AgustaWestland chopper scam and loan fraud by business tycoon Vijay Mallya. The team is also probing the Moin Qureshi case. Asthana in an exhaustive letter to the Cabinet Secretary on August 24 had given a list of 10 instances of alleged corruption by Verma in which it was alleged that Sana paid the CBI chief Rs 2 crore to get clean chit in the case, government sources said. This complaint was referred to the Central Vigilance Commission which is probing the matter, they said. Asthana has again written to the Central Vigilance Commissioner on October 19 -- four days after the FIR was registered -- informing him that he wanted to arrest and interrogate Sana for which a proposal was sent to the Director on September 20, 2018, they said. In the letter, he has also referred to his communication to Cabinet Secretary on August 24 in which details of alleged irregularities against the Director were given. He said the Director allegedly held the file for nearly four days and marked to the Director of Prosecution (DoP) on September 24, 2018 who demanded all evidence available on record, the sources said. It was the team under Asthana which had opened a lookout circular against Sana who attempted to flee the country but could not because of the preemptive action, they said. Asthana has said that the file was again placed before the Director on October 3 with answers to the queries raised by the DoP but it has not been returned till date, the sources said. Sana was questioned by the SIT on October 1, 2018 where he stated that he had met a politician, who after meeting Verma, had assured him that his name would be cleared from the case, they said citing submissions of Asthana.

CBI books case against Rakesh Asthana — he is the agency's second-in-command

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