Transferred on the basis of "false and frivolous allegations": Alok Verma

Congress president Rahul Gandhi said Thursday that sacking of CBI chief Alok Verma twice showed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was a "prisoner of his own lies" and there was fear in his mind over the alleged corruption in the Rafale aircraft deal.

Alok Verma file image

New Delhi: After months of hustle inside country’s biggest investigative agency, Select committee led by Prime Minister on Thursday removed CBI Director Alok Verma from his post. Verma has been accused of corruption and showing negligence in his work. Verma’s ouster came only days ahead of his retirement day, which was scheduled to take place on January 31. Verma is the first CBI Chief to face such allegations against him. Transferred on basis of false allegations: Alok Verma Soon after his ouster, Alok Verma claimed that he was transferred on the basis of "false, unsubstantiated and frivolous allegations" made by only one person who was inimical to him. Breaking his silence over the issue, Verma, in a statement to media late on Thursday night, said the CBI being a prime investigating agency dealing in corruption in high public places is an institution whose independence should be preserved and protected. "It must function without external influences. I have tried to uphold the integrity of the institution while attempts were being made to destroy it. The same can be seen from the orders of the central government and the CVC dated October 23, 2018, which were without jurisdiction and were set aside," he said. Verma termed it "sad" that he was transferred to another post pursuant to the orders of the committee on the basis of "false, unsubstantiated and frivolous allegations made by only one person, who was inimical to him".The 1979-batch IPS officer has been posted as the Director General Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guards, under the Union Home Ministry. The charge of the CBI has been given to Additional Director M Nageshwar Rao, said a government order issued on Thursday evening. PM has fear in mind: Rahul Gandhi Congress president Rahul Gandhi said Thursday that sacking of CBI chief Alok Verma twice showed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was a "prisoner of his own lies" and there was fear in his mind over the alleged corruption in the Rafale aircraft deal.