CVC tells Verma to be ready for grilling in graft probe

NEW DELHI : The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has formally told Central Bureau of Investigation director Alok Kumar Verma to prepare to be examined in connection with the complaint made by the agency’s special director Rakesh Asthana against him, a government official said.

NEWDELHI: The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has formally told Central Bureau of Investigation director Alok Kumar Verma to prepare to be examined in connection with the complaint made by the agency’s special director Rakesh Asthana against him, a government official familiar with the development said on condition of anonymity.

This is the first formal communication between Verma and CVC after he was divested of his powers. “Verma has been asked to gather all relevant documents needed for his defence. No date has been communicated to the director,” added the official.

Former vigilance commissioner R Sri Kumar says CVC holds the power of a civil court and can seek information in the form of an affidavit too if it wants. “Any summons from CVC has judicial sanctity.”

Verma didn’t respond to a phone call and message seeking comment. Central Vigilance Commissioner KV Chowdary too didn’t respond to a phone call and message. On the intervening night of October 23 and 24, Verma and Asthana were both divested of their respective responsibilities as CBI director and special director.

The two have been sparring for months.

On the same night, the government appointed the senior most joint director in the agency, M Nageswar Rao, as interim director of the agency.

On August 24, Asthana wrote to the cabinet secretary, alleging that Verma was interfering in several investigations and also levelled charges of misconduct against the director. The cabinet secretary forwarded the complaint to CVC which has superintendence over CBI in corruption cases.