The Tussle at the CBI: Rakesh Asthana vs Alok Verma
In the ongoing controversy surrounding the leadership of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the conflict between Rakesh Asthana and Alok Verma has come to the forefront. This article delves into the background, events, and implications of this high-stakes battle, all the while questioning the role of corruption in this tussle.
Background of the Conflict
The dispute began in October 2017 when the Modi Government appointed Rakesh Asthana as the Special Director of the CBI without the approval of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC). The CBI director, Alok Verma, objected to this move due to Asthana's involvement in a corruption case arising from the investigation of a Gujarat-based company, Sterling Biotech. According to allegations, Sterling Biotech bribed several government officials, including Asthana. The CBI team was already investigating the case, and Verma wrote to the CVC questioning the promotion of Asthana. Despite this, the CVC dismissed the appeal.
The Current Controversy
On October 15, 2018, the CBI registered a case against Rakesh Asthana and another officer, DSP Devendra, based on allegations by a businessman named Satish Sana. Sana claimed that Asthana was involved in a corruption case, and Modi had previously protected these individuals from raids. In 2014, a massive 200 crore money laundering scam case against Asthana had been registered, and the CBI was investigating it for three years. There were allegations that Asthana was ready to dismiss the case if compensated.
Key Events
October 15, 2018: CBI registered FIR against Asthana and DSP Devendra based on allegations by Satish Sana. October 16, 2018: CBI arrested Manoj Prasad, a Dubai-based businessman. October 21, 2018: CBI raided Alok Verma's office. October 23, 2018: Both Alok Verma and Rakesh Asthana were sent on indefinite leave, and Alok Verma's team was transferred to different locations. October 24, 2018: Alok Verma filed a petition in the Supreme Court (SC) to stop these leave notifications and mentioned that certain investigations were leading to a direction the current government would not desire. October 25, 2018: Suspicious individuals were interrogated by security personnel at Alok Verma's home. October 26, 2018: The SC gave 2 weeks to complete all investigations on Alok Verma, with the monitoring of an ex-judge.SC's Intervention and Future Outlook
The Supreme Court's involvement further escalated the situation. SC directed that the interim CBI chief appointed by the government would have only administrative powers and would not be able to take any policy decisions. It is also believed that this interim chief is close to BJP leaders. The SC stated that it will monitor the investigation of Alok Verma within two weeks.
The Supreme Court previously highlighted that the CBI is like a conch shell blowing a trumpet of justice. However, the current scenario seems to suggest that this belief is significantly dented. The relationship between public trust in investigative agencies and political influence is undoubtedly affected by such controversies.
Conclusion
The ongoing battle between Rakesh Asthana and Alok Verma at the CBI is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by independent investigative agencies. The public's trust in such organizations is crucial for maintaining transparency and integrity within the government. The Supreme Court's intervention highlights the need for a more robust system to ensure the independence and integrity of investigative bodies, free from political interference.