Internal rift in Central Bureau of Investigation over 'induction of new officers'

The letter also conveyed that “Asthana is himself under the scanner and that he cannot be consulted for inducting officers into CBI in the absence of the Director”.

New Delhi: An internal rift between two senior officers at country’s largest investigative agency Cental Bureau of Investigation has now escalated, exposing the loopholes inside the agency. The matter came to light after CBI wrote to the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) saying, that its second most senior officer, Special Director Rakesh Asthana, does not have the mandate to represent its chief, Director Alok Verma. The CVC has also been informed that several officers who were being inducted into the agency are already under CBI’s scanner as ‘suspects’ in criminal cases. The letter also conveyed that “Asthana is himself under the scanner and that he cannot be consulted for inducting officers into CBI in the absence of the Director”. Taking on the agency, now various opposition parties are taking on the government, questioning “if names of CBI appointees are coming from PMO, BJP or Sangh”. Speaking on the same, senior Congress leader Randeep Surjewala said, “Incurable malady in CBI raises imp issues- 1. Why is CVC appointing officers to CBI, who are being investigated by CBI? 2. If CBI is not recommending officers for induction into CBI, are the names coming from PMO/BJP/Sangh to target political opponents?” Even AAP leader Ashutosh took to his Twitter account and said, “Kill every institution to kill your political enemies, is the only agenda now”.