CBI vs CBI: A timeline of unprecedented feud in nation's premier investigation agency

In an unprecedented development, the Cabinet's Appointments Committee divested CBI director Alok Verma and special director Rakesh Asthana "of all powers" after reports of feud emerged between them. The action was described as the first such case in the history of the country’s premier investigation agency.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday shall pronounce its verdict on CBI Director Alok Kumar Verma's plea against the Centre's decision to divest him of powers and sending him on leave. The Centre had also sent CBI's Special Director Rakesh Asthana on leave. After their rift came into public domain after making allegations of corruption against each other, the Centre had taken the decision. As being without jurisdiction and in violation of Articles 14, 19 and 21 of the Constitution, Verma has sought quashing of three orders of October 23, 2018 -- one by the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) and two by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT). In an unprecedented development, the Cabinet's Appointments Committee divested CBI director Alok Verma and special director Rakesh Asthana "of all powers" after reports of feud emerged between them. The action was described as the first such case in the history of the country’s premier investigation agency. The Appointments Committee, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, handed over the charge of the CBI to joint director M Nageshwar Rao with immediate effect. The government's move in the wake of the agency’s unprecedented move to file an FIR on October 15 against its own special director Rakesh Asthana over alledged bribery charges. The CBI also arrested a deputy SP in Asthana's team, Devender Kumar in connection with the alleged falsification of records. Here is the complete timeline of the feud between the top two officials of the country’s premier investigation agency: October 15: CBI files bribery case against Rakesh Asthana October 16: CBI arrests middleman Manoj Prasad October 20: CBI raids at residence of accused DSP Devender Kumar October 22: CBI arrests Devender Kumar for alleged falsification of records October 23: Asthana moves Delhi High Court seeking quashing of FIR against them October 23: CBI DSP Devender Kumar sent to 7-day police custody October 23: CBI claims in court that an 'extortion' racket was being run from the HQ in the garb of investigation October 24: Govt sidesteps Verma and Asthana, appoints interim CBI chief October 24: Alok Verma moves Supreme Court against govt order October 24: Opposition slammed government for sending Alok Verma on leave. Rahul Gandhi said by sending Verma on "forced leave" for collecting documents on the Rafale "scam", Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given out a clear message that anyone coming close to unravelling the truth behind the defence deal will be "wiped out". October 25: Four men belonging to the Intelligence Bureau were caught outside the official residence of CBI director Alok Verma, who has been divested of his powers and sent on leave, officials said. While Home Ministry officials said the four men were on "routine, covert" duties in the high security area outside Verma's 2 Janpath residence, sources said they were taken away by police and questioned. October 25: NGO moves SC challenging Alok Verma's removal: A bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices Sanjay Krishan Kaul and K.M. Joseph said "we will see" as counsel Prashant Bhushan sought an urgent hearing as some broader issues have been raised in the PIL by NGO Common Cause. October 26: After Alok Verma, Rakesh Asthana moves SC against forced leave. October 26: CJI-led Bench hear Alok Verma's plea against Centre's move. The apex court set a deadline of two weeks for CVC to complete the inquiry against CBI Director Alok Kumar Verma. The court directs that the inquiry be conducted under the supervision of a retired apex court judge and also barred IPS officer M Nageswara Rao, who has been given interim charge of looking after the duties of the CBI Director, from taking any policy decision or any major decision. It said a list of decisions taken by Rao from October 23 till today, including transfer of investigations and change of investigating officers, be placed before the court in a sealed cover by November 12 - the next date of hearing - after which it would pass appropriate orders. October 29: HC slammed CBI, Centre for not filing reply on Asthana plea. November 8: Alok Verma met CVC, denied corruption charges against him. November 9: Alok Verma appeared before CVC, countered corruption charges. November 12: After CVC submitted report, SC adjourned the court proceedings. A bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice S K Kaul took the report on record and fixed the next hearing on November 16. Interim CBI Director M Nageswar Rao also filed report on decisions taken by him since October 23 as head of agency. November 16: SC hears CBI Director Alok Verma's plea challenging govt's order divesting him of his duties. SC ordered CVC to give CBI Director Alok Verma its report in sealed cover and asked Verma to respond by Monday. November 19: SC to take up the case on Monday.