CBI arrests DSP in Asthana probe

CBI CHIEF ALOK VERMA MET PM NARENDRA MODI, WHO ADVISED HIM TO LET THE LAW TAKE ITS OWN COURSE, SAID AN OFFICIAL

NEWDELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi told CBI chief Alok Verma on Sunday to “let the law take its own course” when the latter briefed him on the allegations against agency special director Rakesh Asthana, an official familiar with the development said on Monday.

The CBI expanded its probe into the case on Monday by arresting a deputy superintendent of police (Dsp)-rank official. Investigators are preparing to question two supervisory officers — one of superintendent of police rank and the other of inspector general — in the case. The agency will also seek a clarification from a senior intelligence official who investigators suspect may have been acting in his “individual capacity”.

“Director Verma sought an appointment with the PM to brief him on the case against Asthana. Following the briefing, the PM told the CBI chief to let the law take its own course. Director Verma separately met national security adviser Ajit Doval too,” said the CBI official cited above. He spoke on the condition of anonymity.

The Prime Minister’s Office did not offer any comment on the meeting.

But a senior official confirmed that the PM met the CBI chief. The CBI official said Verma was likely to recommend the suspension and immediate repatriation of Asthana to his parent cadre of Gujarat in a day or two.