CBI officer Bassi has evidence of bribery

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) agency officer AK Bassi, who was investigating corruption allegations against Special Director Rakesh Asthana, yesterday moved the Supreme Court claiming that he had “incriminating” evidence against Asthana.

“The allegations against CBI Special Director Rakesh Asthana are grave. Illegal gratification amounted to Rs30 million [Dh1.5 million] was given on 10th and 13th December 2017 to Asthana after which the summons stopped to businessman Sathish Sana. However, there was pressure to pay remaining Rs20 million as part of a deal. This is evidenced in Whatsapp messages,” Bassi said in his application in the top court.

According to CBI’s First Information Report last month, Prasad, an investment banker based in the Gulf, was hired by businessman Sana to pay the bribe of Rs50 million to Asthana to get rid of a corruption case against him.

On October 16, Prasad was arrested when he came to India to deliver the bribe.

Later, CBI named Asthana and another agency officer Devender Kumar in the bribery case related to Sana.