CBI top officials continue to trade charges

The Central Bureau of Investigation director Alok Verma and his deputy and special director Rakesh Asthana yesterday accused each other of corruption while defending themselves as they deposed before a panel headed by central vigilance commissioner (CVC) K V Chowdary.

In an hour-long examination before the enquiry committee comprising Chowdary, retired Supreme Court judge A K Patnaik and vigilance commissioners Tejendra Mohan Bhasin and Sharad Kumar, Verma denied the allegations levelled against him by Asthana, informed sources said.

Verma, who appeared at the central vigilance commission headquarters, told the panel that Asthana had made frivolous complaints against him because there was a charge-sheet pending against him (Asthana) and he feared he would be arrested.

Refuting allegations of corruption against him, Verma said his actions were in the interest of the probe against Asthana.

Verma had on Thursday too appeared before the enquiry committee but the meeting was postponed for yesterday due to the non-availability of a vigilance commissioner.

Earlier this week, Verma responded in writing to a questionnaire sent by the CVC but the panel was not satisfied with his replies and sought his personal appearance before them.

A 1979 batch IPS officer, Verma was sent on forced leave and divested of all his powers on October 23 after his name surfaced in a corruption scandal. Three days later the Supreme Court told the CVC to complete its inquiry against Verma in two weeks.

The war in the country’s premier investigating agency came to the fore after charges were filed against Asthana, who has also been divested of all powers, and others on the statement of Hyderabad-based businessman Sathish Babu Sana.