Was Rafale deal file under Alok Verma's consideration? Here's what CBI has to say

A news report claimed that several crucial files, including the one related to the Rafale fighter jet deal, was under the consideration of CBI Director Alok Verma.

Central Bureau of Investigation Chief Alok Verma. Photo: PTI

NEW DELHI: A day after Congress President Rahul Gandhi gave the CBI infighting a 'Rafale-turn', the investigative agency on Thursday rejected reports that a file related to Rafale fighter aircraft deal was under the consideration of its Director Alok Verma, who was divested of his powers by the Centre on Wednesday. A news report has claimed that several crucial files, including the one related to the Rafale fighter jet deal, was under the consideration of Verma. In a statement, CBI Spokesperson Abhishek Dayal termed the news report as false. "This is being manufactured by vested interests. Every file in the CBI at each level is accounted for," PTI quoted Dayal as saying. Rahul Gandhi has alleged that the Verma was removed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for raising questions on Rafale deal. "The CBI director was removed last night because the agency was raising questions over Rafale," Gandhi alleged, adding that Verma had asked for documents of the fighter jet deal. Also in a tweet, Gandhi said, "CBI Chief Alok Verma was collecting documents relating to the Rafale scam. He was forcibly sent on leave". The Prime Minister's message is very clear that whoever comes near Rafale (issue) will be removed, wiped out, he charged. "PM removed the CBI Director to stop him from investigating Rafale. Mr 56 broke the law when he bypassed CJI and LOP. Mr Modi, Rafale is a deadly aircraft with a superb radar. You can run, but you can't hide from It," Gandhi had said. The Congress chief retreated his allegations against the prime minister on Thursday when he said that forcing Alok Verma to go on indefinite leave was "illegal" and alleged that it was done as Narendra Modi panicked over the possibility of him investigating his "corruption". The interim charge of the agency has been given a person who has cases against him so that the prime minister can control him, Gandhi alleged, referring to joint director Nageswara Rao. He also accused Modi of interfering in the working of the CBI. He claimed Modi "broke the law" and "bypassed" the Chief Justice of India and the Leader of Opposition, who were part of the panel that selected the CBI chief.