The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) director Alok Verma is facing Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) probe after a complaint filed by his colleague.
Special Director Rakesh Asthana has alleged that Verma has sought to impede his functioning, interfere in investigations and malign his reputation on the basis of unverified facts. The action was initiated by the CVC after Asthana wrote a letter to the Centre.
As special director, Asthana heads a Special Investigation Team that is probing high-profile cases such as the Kingfisher and AgustaWestland investigations, among others. According to reports, Asthana has also alleged that Verma asked to call off the planned raids against RJD supremo Lalu Prasad in Patna last year at the eleventh hour. The CVC has initiated a primary inquiry, though the CBI spokesperson has refuted all the claims.
In July this year, amid reports of power tussle between CBI Director and the second senior most officer, the Central Vigilance Commission had given the go-ahead for extending the tenure of some key officers in the premier investigating agency including those who have worked closely in some high profile cases as part of special director Rakesh Asthana's team.
In 2017, Verma made it to the top post in the premier investigating agency pipping a number of contenders including Director General of Indo Tibetan Border Police Krishna Choudhary and Maharashtra's Director General of Police S C Mathur. Verma, a 1979 batch IPS officer of Arunachal Pradesh- Goa-Mizoram and Union Territories (AGMUT) cadre, took over as Delhi Police Commissioner on February 29, 2016. 59-year-old Verma, who belongs to Delhi, has worked in various positions in Delhi Police, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Puducherry, Mizoram and in the Intelligence Bureau.
Before being appointed as Delhi Police Commissioner, he was Director General of Tihar Prisons here. Verma is the 27th Director (including two acting chief) of the CBI.
