Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI) has registered 121 cases(Regular Cases & Preliminary Enquiries)

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
14-March, 2018 17:58 IST
Cases Dealt by CBI

During the last 3 years i.e. 2015, 2016, 2017 & 2018 (upto 31.1.2018), CBI has registered 121 cases (Regular Cases & Preliminary Enquiries) on the direction of State as well as Central Govt. The year-wise break-up are as under :-


Year
No. of cases

2015
34

2016
28

2017
54

2018 (upto 31.1.18)
5

Total
121

As and when a matter is referred to CBI for taking over the investigation of a State Government case, the feasibility of taking over investigation is examined keeping in view the various aspects of the cases including sensitivity of the case/inter-state or trans-national ramification.

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The Central Government as well as CBI takes various steps to fill-up all posts expeditiously. For upgradation of CBI which inter-alia include modernization, improvement in training, infrastructure, housing & improved condition of work, the Central Government has approved various schemes viz Modernization of training Centres in CBI, CBI e-governance, comprehensive modernization of CBI branches/offices, centralized technology vertical (CTV-CBI) and comprehensive modernization and purchase of land/construction office/Residence building for CBI etc.

Further, CBI imparts training to its officers/employees in order to enhance their skills at its training centres and other training Institutions of repute.


Cader Policy for IAS/IPS and IFS Officers

The Central Government has issued revised policy on 05.09.2017 for the allocation of cadres to the members of All India Services which will come into effect with the Civil Services Examination – 2017/ Indian Forest Service Examination - 2017. In this policy, all the cadres have been divided into five Zones and a candidate may give preference for these Zones in the order of descending priority as well as preference for cadres within each Zone in descending order. Further, a candidate claiming benefit of reservation under Physically Disabled quota has an additional option to indicate his preference (at the time of indicating preferences for various Zones and Cadres thereunder) for any one state/cadre (other than Home cadre) of his first preferred zone. In case he is found eligible as a Physically disabled candidate and he could not be allocated to his Home Cadre for want of vacancy, then as per policy, he is allocated to that cadre indicated as additional option.

A candidate who wishes to be considered for All India Services are required to indicate in his Detailed Application Form (DAF) for the Main Examination his order of preferences for various Zones and Cadres for which he would like to be considered for allotment in case he is appointed to any of the All India Services and no request for change in preference of Zone and Cadre thereunder once indicated by a candidate is permitted.

This was stated by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.
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[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
14-March, 2018 17:57 IST
Investigation of Cases Related to Coal Block Allocations

In 20 cases, CBI has obtained files from PMO pertaining to approval of allocation of Coal Block by the then Prime Minister who acted in the capacity of Minister of Coal. CBI has examined officers of PMO in this regard who has dealt the files of allocations of coal blocks. However, CBI has not filed any charge sheet against the officers of PMO in the court and also not referred any matter to Govt. for taking action, so far.

As per the provisions of Delhi Special Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1964, the superintendence over Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in respect of investigation of Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act case vests with the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC).

This was stated by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.
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[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
21-March, 2018 16:27 IST
Charges against Government Officials

No such consolidated data is maintained by this Department regarding vigilance probe for the charges of misappropriation of public funds and income more than the known sources against officers of All India Services and other Allied Central Services. However, for officers of Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) is the Cadre Controlling Authority (CCA) and for Indian Police Service (IPS), the CCA is Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

As per available information, sanction for prosecution on the specific charges of misappropriation of public funds and disproportionate assets has been issued against 12 IAS/IPS officers in the last three years (2015-2017).

Further, 01 retired IAS/IPS officer was convicted on corruption charges, and 02 IAS/IPS officers were terminated from service in the last three years on charges of misappropriation of funds.

This was stated by the Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions and Prime Minister’s Office, Dr. Jitendra Singhin a written reply to question in the Lok Sabha today.

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Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
21-March, 2018 16:26 IST
Opening of Office on Holidays

As per Fundamental Rules (F.R.) No.11, the whole time of a Government servant is at the disposal of the Government which pays him, he may be employed in any manner required by proper authority without claim for additional remuneration.

Sometimes with a view to meeting the exigencies of work such as when a Government business has to be transacted immediately or a deadline is to be met, the Head of Office can, in the interests of public service, take a decision to keep the offices open fully or partially even on public holidays. The staff who are deployed on official duty on public holidays are, however, compensated by granting them compensatory leave.

Need for laying down procedure for registering complaints in case of any Government/private office remaining open on public holidays has not been felt.

This was stated by the Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions and Prime Minister’s Office, Dr. Jitendra Singhin a written reply to question in the Lok Sabha today.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
04-April, 2018 16:09 IST
CBI Investigation Ordered by Apex Court

A total number of 299 cases have been ordered by the Supreme Court for investigation by Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) during the last three years i.e. 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 (upto 28.2.2018). The details of same is as under:



Year
Total No. of cases registered on the order of Supreme Court(RC+PE)



2015
191

2016
14

2017
46

2018 (upto 28.2.2018)
48

Total
299

Out of these 299, charge sheet has been filed in 107 cases (103 in 2015 and 4 in 2016). 3 cases resulted in conviction in 2015.

The cases referred by Supreme Court are under active investigation. However, due to following reasons, time frame for filing Charge-sheets can not be fixed.

• In some cases, investigation requires scrutiny of voluminous documents and examination of large number of witnesses.
• In some cases, investigations has to be done in foreign countries for which Letters Rogatory has to be executed, which is a time consuming process
• Many cases remain pending even after conclusion of investigation for want of sanction for prosecution from the competent authority or for want of expert opinion.
• Large vacancies in CBI amongst the ranks of Investigating Officers and Law Officers affect the speed of investigations.

This information was provided by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
04-April, 2018 16:07 IST
Complaints against Bureaucrats

Cadre-wise data of complaints received and action taken against bureaucrats is not maintained centrally in the DoPT. However, as per information received from the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), the complaints received in CVC are examined and the complaints which contain verifiable facts are sent for investigation and report to Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) / Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Pseudonymous / anonymous complaints are filed and the complaints which are administrative in nature are forwarded to CVO of concerned organization for necessary action at their end.


The number of complaints against officers received and disposed of by the CVC during the last three years is as follows:


Year

Complaints received
Complaints disposed of

2015

32149
30789

2016

51207
48764

2017

26052
22386


As per the annual reports furnished by the Ministries/Departments to CVC, the details of departmental inquiries, including cases of financial mismanagement, instituted against officers (both within and outside the jurisdiction of CVC) during the last three years is as follows:



Year
Departmental Inquiries instituted

2015
13024

2016
13629

2017
13202


This information was provided by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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[Hindustani78]

Central Bureau of Investigation probe into highway contracts case

CHENNAI, October 12, 2018 15:18 IST
Updated: October 12, 2018 15:37 IST

Justice passed the order on a plea by the organising secretary

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe on a complaint of alleged nepotism and corruption in award of contracts by State highways department.

Justice passed the order on a petition filed by organising secretary . The petitioner had only sought for a court monitored investigation by Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC).

However, during the course of hearing of the case, the DVAC told the court that a preliminary inquiry conducted by it, on the basis of the petitioner’s complaint, did not reveal any cognisable offence and therefore it had filed a negative report to the Vigilance Commissioner.

Expressing displeasure over such a move, the judge said he was of the view that a fair and free investigation would not be conducted by any agency under the people in power and therefore the probe should necessarily be transferred to an independent agency.

He directed the DVAC to hand over all records connected with the probe to the CBI and ordered the latter to hold a preliminary inquiry within three months. Thereafter, if any cognisance offence was found to have been made out, then further action should be taken in accordance with law.

The judge made it clear in his order that a CBI probe was being ordered only to ensure a free and fair investigation and without casting any aspersions on any person involved in the issue.

 

[Hindustani78]

Rakesh Asthana. File

AHMEDABAD, October 21, 2018 14:33 IST
Updated: October 21, 2018 14:35 IST

Accused of accepting a bribe of ₹ 2 crore in a case that also involves businessman

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has named its Special Director Rakesh Asthana who is investigating in a new FIR involving a bribery scam.

New FIR involving a bribery scam of accepting a bribe of ₹ 2 crore in a case that also involves businessman, who is facing multiple cases including money laundering and corruption.

Though the Central Bureau of Investigation has not made the lodging of FIR naming Number 2 in the complaint official, multiple sources from within the agency and in the government have confirmed it.

The latest move is another indication of the escalating internal war within the top political party top brass due to the involvement of Bollywood in lot of cases linked to national security : CBI Director Alok Varma and Special Director Rakesh Asthana.

According to details, the agency lodged the FIR after the arrest of a middleman identified, who has given a confessional statement before a magistrate confirming the payment of ₹ 2 crore.

Middleman has reportedly admitted that he had paid the bribe.

Earlier, Special Director Rakesh Asthana had filed a complaint along with the CBI Director Alok Varma, accusing Middleman of interfering in a corruption case against family members of political parties leaders.

Subsequently, in a press statement, the agency had denied Special Director Rakesh Asthana’s charges against the Bollywood Director and asserted that the Director himself was under probe in half a dozen cases and was trying to intimidate officials who were probing his role.

It may be noted that this is not the first time Director is facing bribery allegations. Earlier, his name surfaced in the Sandesara brothers case. Vadodara-based businessmen Sandesara brothers are currently abroad, evading probe and arrests by the CBI and ED in a loan default case involving ₹ 5200 crore.

 

[Hindustani78]

On Monday, the CBI Deputy Superintendent of Police Devender Kumar submit investigation report in connection with bribery scam.

CBI Director and his deputy CBI Director has summoned both to “get details of the current happenings” in the premier investigative agency of the country.

The CBI has alleged falsification of a statement given by Hyderabad-based businessman under Section 161 of the Criminal Procedure Code, investigation report has been submitted by CBI Deputy Superintendent of Police Devender Kumar in the case.

The Deputy SP is the investigating officer of the case since the time the scam has been exposed.

The agency alleged that Hyderabad-based businessman was shown to have given the said statement on September 26 in Delhi, when he was actually in Hyderabad.

“It was fabricated as an afterthought to substantiate the complaint made by the CBI Director to the Central Vigilance Commission in August,” said an agency official.

In response to a summons in the case, Hyderabad-based businessman joined the investigation on October 1 in Delhi and gave his statement on October 3, said the CBI.

The agency said it was also examining the role of a special probe team that was investigating the case, in which the role of former CBI chief Amar Pratab Singh was under the scanner.

Those named as accused in the FIR are Gujurat based businessman, Hyderabad-based businessman, investment broker and brother of investment broker. More than ₹3 crore in were paid in the case.

The CBI earlier arrested investment broker in the evening of October 16. Searches were also conducted on the Investigating Officer’s premises on Saturday, and eight mobile phones were seized.

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Jan 25 2017. 06 20 PM IST
PTI

Officials said the gang would gather information regarding vital Army installations, troop movements and deployments. Photo: HT

Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Anti Terrorist Squad (ATS) on Wednesday claimed to have busted an international call racket allegedly involved in spying on Army units in the country.

“We arrested 11 persons yesterday from Lucknow, Sitapur, Hardoi and New Delhi for operating international call racket by running parallel exchanges,” inspector general (IG) ATS said, adding the action was taken on information by Jammu Kashmir Military intelligence that Army units were getting calls for spying from these exchanges.

An FIR in this regard has been registered in Gomti Nagar police station, he said, adding a large number of SIM cards, mobile phones and laptops used in the clandestine operations have been recovered.

Officials said the gang would gather information regarding vital Army installations, troop movements and deployments. The officials said the accused made calls to various Army stations posing as government officials and that spying was done using mobile numbers with Direct Inward Dialling Network to route calls.

Hyderabad, December 25, 2017 00:00 IST
Updated: December 25, 2017 04:57 IST

VOIP enables use of the Internet as transmission media for calls by sending voice data in packets using IP rather than the traditional circuit transmission of Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). “The packets travel like any other type of data over public Internet,” he said.

Through this system, the data is connected to a VOIP gateway that converts it into voice calls, which are disseminated to the receivers.

The process will not leave any trace of the original international number from where the call originated. “By using fake SIM cards the accused were routing calls from different countries, the mobile numbers of which were unable to be traced by local service providers,” he said.

Nine VOIP gateway routers, which can hold up to 16 SIM cards, more than 500 cloned SIM cards, laptops, gateway tenor and mobile phone were seized from them.

 

[Hindustani78]

The agency will also take away all responsibilities.

The Central Bureau of Investigation will continue to probe Special Director and main accused in a bribery case and others. The agency will also take away all responsibilities, who is No. 2 in the country.

“The (Delhi) High Court has rejected to quash the FIR filed against him and others so the probe will continue and status quo will be maintained only in respect of two petitioners: Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has named its acting Director Rakesh Asthana and CBI Deputy Superintendent of Police Devender Kumar, which means we will act on other accused,” a top official from the agency told The Hindu. High Court official added that acting Director Rakesh Asthana has not been attending office for last two days. “All responsibilities from him will be taken away considering sensitivity of the case and also to ensure that no fudging of documents take place,” the official added.

When asked whether acting Director Rakesh Asthana has been asked to proceed on leave, High Court official said, “The CBI Director will write to the government seeking his immediate transfer from the agency on the ground that his continued presence may hamper the probe in the case.” It may be noted that the CBI Director has reportedly recommended his suspension from the service pending investigation in the bribery case.

PTI adds:

The Delhi High Court on October 23 directed the CBI to maintain status quo on the criminal proceedings initiated, who has challenged the FIR lodged against him on bribery allegations.

The High Court clarified that there was no stay on the ongoing probe.

Justice also sought the response of the agency and its Director Alok Kumar Verma, as also its Joint Director A.K. Sharma, on the separate pleas of acting Director Rakesh Asthana and Deputy Superintendent Devender Kumar, who are investigating the bribery case on October 22.

Notice has also been issued to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), the administrative arm of the CBI.

The court asked both acting Director Rakesh Asthana and Deputy Superintendent Devender Kumar to preserve the records of the case and also their mobile records. It posted the matter for hearing on October 29.

During the hearing, the CBI said charges against are serious and the agency was investigating the matter and was likely to add more offences in the FIR.

Counsel and senior advocate Amrendra Sharan said it was the case of an illegal registration of an FIR based on the statement of the accused.

Senior advocate Dayan Krishnan appeared for quashing of the FIR.


Has also sought direction be passed that no coercive action be taken against him by the CBI. He moved the petition on October 23, hours after Senior advocate Dayan Krishnan approached the court, which agreed to give an urgent hearing, was the officer in charge in a case involving meat exporter was arrested on the allegations of forgery in recording the statement of businessman Gujarat businessman who had alleged to have paid bribe to get relief in the case.

Both the petitions were mentioned before Chief Justice who allocated the matter for hearing before Justice .


In his statement, Gujurat based businessman purportedly said that in June 2018, he discussed his case with Telugu Desam Party’s higher official who after speaking to the CBI Director, assured him that he would not be summoned again. “From June onwards, I was not called by the CBI. I was under the impression that investigation against me is complete,” he is believed to have said.

The CBI has now alleged that fabricated this statement as an “afterthought... to corroborate the baseless allegations made by Asthana against CBI Director Mr. Verma to the CVC [Central Vigilance Commissioner]”. They said the agency was also looking into the alleged role of the other members of the special investigation team headed by Mr. Asthana, who had also complained Mr. Verma.

Seven-day CBI custody
Meanwhile, a Delhi court allowed the CBI to quiz in custody for seven days.

Special CBI Judge remanded him to the custody of CBI, which had sought 10 days of his custodial interrogation, alleging that it had recovered incriminating documents after raiding his office and residence.

The CBI has claimed that he was part of an extortion racket being run in the garb of investigation.

Counsel, however, opposed the submission and moved a bail plea before the court.

The CBI has also sought the court’s nod to add some more sections in the present FIR against the accused.

 

[Hindustani78]

24-October, 2018 14:33 IST
Alok Kumar Verma and Rakesh Asthana divested of their roles as Director and Special Director of CBI respectively

M. Nageshwar Rao to look after the duties and functions of Director CBI

The grave allegations of corruption by senior functionaries of CBI one against another, which has been widely reported in media, has vitiated the official eco-system of the organization. The environment of faction feud has reached its peak in the CBI leading to a potential loss of credibility and reputation of the Premier Investigating Agency of the Government It also vitiated the working environment of the organization which has deep and visible impact on the overall governance.

2. The CVC, on receipt of a complaint on 24th August, 2018 containing various allegations against the senior functionaries of the CBI has served three separate notices (under section 11 of CVC Act, 2003) on 11th September, 2018 upon the Director, CBI to produce files and documents before the Commission on 14"' September, 2018. Various opportunities have been given to produce such records and after several adjournments, though CBI assured the Commission on 24th September, 2018 to furnish the records within three weeks. Despite repeated assurances and reminders, the Director, CBI failed to furnish the records / files before the Commission. The CVC has observed that Director, CBI has not been cooperating in making available records / files sought by the Commission relating to serious allegations.

3. The CVC has also observed that the Director, CBI has been non-cooperative with the Commission, non-compliant with the requirements / directions of the Commission and has created willful obstructions in the functioning of the Commission which is a Constitutional body.

4. Considering the extra-ordinary and unprecedented circumstanceswhich has emerged, the Central Vigilance Commission in exercise of its powers (section 8 of CVC Act, 2003) of superintendence over the functioning of DPSE (CBI), in so far as it relates to the investigation of offences alleged to have been committed under Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. has passed orders divesting Shri Alok Kumar Verma, Director, CBI and Shri Rakesh Asthana, Spl. Director, CBI of the functions, power, duty and supervisory role in respect of cases already registered and/or required to be registered and/or being inquired/enquired/investigated under the provisions of Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, until further orders.

5. The Government of India having carefully examined and evaluated the material made available to it, and being satisfied that an extra-ordinary and unprecedented situation has arisen which demands that Government of India shall exercise its powers under Section 4(2) of the DPSE Act. The Government of India has evaluated the material before it and in the interest of equality, fair play and principles of natural justice, decided to divest Shri Alok Kumar Verma, Director, CBI and Shri Rakesh Asthana, Spl Director, CBI of their functions, power, duty and supervisory role in any manner as Director, CBI and Spl. Director, CBI respectively.

6. This has been done as an interim measure and will subsist "till the CVC concludes its inquiry into all issues which have given rise to the present extra-ordinary and unprecedented situation and till the CVC and/or Government of India takes an appropriate decision in accordance with the law as regards to the measures to be adopted as a consequence thereof”.

7. In view of the above background, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved that during the period of such interim measure, Shri M. Nageshwar Rao, IPS, presently working as Joint Director, CBI shall look after the duties and functions of Director, CBI with immediate effect.



AK

 

[Hindustani78]

https://www.thehindu.com/news/natio...ahul-gandhi/article25323116.ece?homepage=true

The interim charge of the agency has been given a person (joint director Nageswara Rao) who has cases against him so that PM can control him, alleges Congress chief.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on October 25 said ''forcing'' CBI Director Alok Verma to go on ''indefinite'' leave was illegal. He alleged that it was done as the government panicked over the possibility of him investigating the Rafale fighter aircraft deal.

Mr. Verma’s removal was an “insult” to the Constitution, the Chief Justice of India and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, he said at a press conference in New Delhi.

The interim charge of the CBI directorship had been given a person who had cases against him so that the Prime Minister could control him, Mr. Gandhi alleged, referring to joint director Nageswara Rao's new role.

On October 24, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said Mr. Verma and Special Director Rakesh Asthana were asked to go on leave as per the recommendation of the Central Vigilance Commission and it was “absolutely essential” to maintain the institutional integrity of the CBI.

NGO moves SC challenging orders withdrawing work from CBI Director Alok Verma
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/pil-seeks-sit-probe-into-graft-allegations-against-cbi-officials/article25319451.ece?homepage=true

New Delhi, October 25, 2018 11:50 IST
Updated: October 25, 2018 17:39 IST
There are wider issues of corruption affecting the probe agency, says lawyer Prashant Bhushan, who appeared for the NGO.

Common Cause, a non-governmental organisation, through advocate Prashant Bhushan, on Thursday petitioned the Supreme Court to quash the orders passed by the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) and the Union government to withdraw work from CBI Director Alok Verma.

The orders had reasoned that the divestment of CBI directorship from Mr. Verma was necessitated to retain the credibility of the CBI and to ensure that there was no erosion of public faith in the institution due to the persisting acrimony between Mr. Verma and CBI Special Director Rakesh Asthana, who was also asked to sit out.

The petition wanted the Appointments Committee's October 23 order giving charge of the agency's directorship to senior officer M. Nageshwar Rao quashed

Mr. Bhushan orally mentioned the petition before a Bench led by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi. He sought the removal of Mr. Asthana and urged the court to order an investigation by a special investigation team into the unprecedented incidents witnessed recently within the CBI and corruption allegations levelled against its senior officials.

The petition contended that the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act of 2013 had amended the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act of 1946, under which the CBI was constituted.

The amendments had substituted the Central Vigilance Commissioner-led panel under Section 4A(1) of the DSPE Act with the panel of the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and the Chief Justice of India. This panel was empowered to recommend the appointment of the CBI Director. So, any 'transfer' or withdrawal of work from the CBI Director before his statutory two-year term ends would necessarily require the consent of this committee now and not the Central Vigilance Commissioner-led panel. This was mandated in Section 4B(2) of the DSPE Act.


'No power for CVC'
Under the amended Lokpal Act, the Central Vigilance Commissioner-led panel, under Section 4C of the DSPE Act, had power only to recommend the appointment, curtail or extend the terms of CBI officers from the level of the Superintendent of Police to above, including the CBI Special Director, but not the CBI Director, the petition said.

On the other hand, the CVC and the government both insisted, in their respective orders of October 23, on the Commission's power to divest Mr. Verma of his position. They too quoted from the Central Vigilance Commission Act of 2003 and the DSPE Act to show that they could exercise “superintendence and control” over the agency. They said their decision was taken in an “extraordinary and unprecedented” situation, it said.

For this, the government and the CVC relied on Section 4(1) of the DSPE Act, which allowed the Commission to supervise investigation of offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The DSPE Act gave the Centre the power of superintendence over the CBI “in all other matters,” it said.

Section 4(1) was again echoed in Section 8 of the Central Vigilance Commission Act. These provisions allowed the Commission to exercise superintendence over the CBI and give directions in relation to the investigation of corruption cases. But the moot point was whether these provisions allowed the government and the Commission to strip the CBI Director of his job, it said.

Mr. Bhushan urged the court to tag his petition along with the one filed by Mr. Verma on October 24 against his removal. Mr. Bhushan asked this so that the Common Cause petition could be heard along with Mr. Verma's plea on Friday. However, the CJI remained non-commital.

Accusations against Asthana
In his petition, Mr. Verma has highlighted governmental interference in the functioning of the CBI and lashed out against Mr. Asthana, accusing the latter of stymieing the decisions made in investigation of sensitive cases even monitored by the Supreme Court itself.

Mr. Verma has accused Mr. Asthana of "concocting evidence" to impair his reputation.

In 2017, Mr. Bhushan represented Common Cause in the Supreme Court in a plea to quash the appointment of Gujarat cadre IPS officer, Mr. Asthana, as Special Director of the CBI.

The Common Cause also alleged last year that "investigating officers in the Sterling matter would not be able to freely and fairly investigate the role of their hierarchical superior, who is known to be close to Sandesara/Sterling Biotech Ltd and therefore, the institutional integrity of CBI would be compromised"

But the Centre, at the time, declared Mr. Asthana as an "outstanding" officer who successfully steered investigation in 40-odd scams, including the UPA 2 government's coal scam and cases against the Delhi government's ministers and officials.

In a bristling response to the Supreme Court, Attorney General K.K. Venugopal had pooh-poohed claims that Mr. Asthana was appointed against CBI Director Mr. Verma's note of dissent.

Rubbishing any notion of friction within the CBI's top two men, Mr. Venugopal had said Mr. Verma, instead of complaining, had "fully recommended Mr. Asthana strongly for appointment as CBI Special Director, and continues to do so".

However, the petition filed by Mr. Verma in the Supreme Court on October 24 said he had objected to Mr. Asthana's appointment as CBI Special Director.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/congress-to-protest-outside-cbi-offices/article25325216.ece?homepage=true
Special Correspondent
New Delhi, October 25, 2018 21:44 IST
Updated: October 25, 2018 21:44 IST
Party leader in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge writes to the Prime Minister.

Stepping up its campaign against the Centre over the removal of Central Bureau of Investigation Director, the Congress announced that it would demonstrate in front of all CBI offices in the country on Friday to press for his reinstatement and seek an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Congress leader in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge also shot off an angry four-page letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, objecting to the manner in which Mr. Verma was forced out and accused the Modi government of “snooping” on him.

“In latest development, it is extremely worrying and alarming to find that IB officers are snooping and keeping an eye on officers sent on leave. The whole country watched this on TV today. Snooping and keeping surveillance on Opposition and political opponents have been the very basic nature of this government, but to meddle so blatantly in an ongoing explosive investigation will further erorde the sanctity and trust that our police force and its officers have earned over the past 70 years,” Mr. Kharge said in his letter.

Mr. Kharge shared the letter with the media at a press conference that he addressed with senior party spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Rajya Sabha MP Kumar Ketkar. “They have tried to remove the CBI Director in a way that they don’t have the power to do so. If they wanted to remove him or if there were complaints against him [Mr. Verma] then they should called a meeting and then done so,” Mr. Kharge told reporters.

To register its protest, Congress leaders will hold demonstrations across the country. Congress communications chief Randeep Surjewala said senior leaders will take part in protests outside the CBI headquarters in New Delhi while state leaders will lead demonstrations in their respective regions.

 

[Hindustani78]

https://www.thehindu.com/news/natio...-be-our-director-says-cbi/article25325153.ece
New Delhi, October 25, 2018 21:41 IST
Updated: October 25, 2018 21:41 IST

The Central Bureau of Investigation on Thursday said Alok Kumar Verma, who has been divested of all responsibilities pending an inquiry by the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), continues to be the agency’s Director.

Rakesh Asthana also remains the Special Director, said agency spokesperson Abhishek Dayal. The clarification came a day before the petitions challenging the October-23 order against Mr. Verma are to come up for a hearing in the Supreme Court.

As ordered by the CVC, Mr. Verma cannot exercise any function, power, duty and supervisory role in respect of cases already registered, or required to be booked or inquired into under the Prevention of Corruption Act, till its probe concludes. However, all the facilities available to him as the CBI Director subsist.

Central Bureau of Investigation spokesperson Abhishek Dayal said the additional charge of CBI chief to Joint Director M. Nageswara Rao has been given only as an interim arrangement pending the CVC inquiry into allegations and counter-allegations. “This is to ensure that the agency’s day-to-day functions are looked after smoothly,” he said.

Asked if the recent turn of events would influence the extradition case against fugitive in the United Kingdom, the spokesperson said: “We are conscious of the fact that any fall in the credibility and image of the agency has a potential to impact the important cases we are fighting internationally…whatever we are doing is to ensure that credibility of the agency does not suffer.”

Central Bureau of Investigation spokesperson Abhishek Dayal also said that a media report -- stating that several crucial files, including the one pertaining to the Rafale deal, were under Central Bureau of Investigation Director Alok Kumar Verma s consideration when he was divested of the charges -- was false. He said all the files were accounted for.

On Thursday, the interim Director held a meeting with the new team that has taken over the probe into the case of alleged extortion and corruption against Mr. Asthana and others. They have already been instructed to carry out the investigation “expeditiously and in a fair manner”.

The former case investigating officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police A.K. Bassi, who was transferred to Port Blair soon after Mr. Rao took over , was at the CBI headquarters on Thursday reportedly to hand over the case documents.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Devender Kumar, who was arrested by the previous team in connection with the FIR against Mr. Asthana, is still in CBI custody.

The residence of CBI director Alok Verma at 2, Janpath, New Delhi. | Photo Credit: V.V. Krishnan

https://www.thehindu.com/news/natio...vermas-residence-in-delhi/article25318944.ece


A top Home Ministry official says IB units are routinely deployed on open patrol duty on a regular basis in high-security zones in Delhi.

The Delhi Police released at 1 p.m. on Thursday the four Intelligence Bureau (IB) men ''caught'' in the morning by the security staff at the official residence of Alok Verma, who has been stripped of all his functions as CBI Director a day ago.

A senior police official said the IB officials were handed over to the local police by the security staff. "We had questioned them and after verification, they have been released. Senior IB officials have been informed about the development."


Mr. Verma was present at the 2 Janpath bungalow during the incident.

His personal security officers (PSOs) spotted a white colour car parked suspiciously in a lane opposite the house at 7 a.m. and they caught hold of the four persons in it and informed the police.

Earlier, an official present at the bungalow said the persons belonged to the IB.

A police official said, "We have obtained their ID cards, CGHS card and Aadhaar card. Their identities will be verified with their department concerned. They have been handed over to the police for further questioning."

However, Delhi Police spokesperson Madhur Verma, DCP, denied that the four were detained and questioned. "We have not detained any person nor we have received any police complaint regarding the matter," he said.

Home Ministry clarifies
Amid the developments, a top official of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) clarified that IB units were routinely deployed on open patrol duty on a regular basis in the high-security zones in Delhi. He added that the Ministry was checking on what the exact situation was.

In a statement, the MHA said that IB units were routinely deployed in sensitive areas. One such unit halted at Janpath as there was an unusual collection of people. Since such officials were on routine duty, they carried their Id cards, unlike during covert surveillance.

"This was with a view to checking the reason why people had collected at the location. This is a high-security zone where several protectees reside. Unfortunately, their presence was projected otherwise,'' the statement said.

(With inputs from Vijaitha Singh)

https://www.thehindu.com/news/natio...rnment-submission-in-2017/article25325297.ece

Centre had told the Supreme Court that Rakesh Ashtana was unanimous choice.

A year ago, the Centre submitted in the Supreme Court that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), then led by Alok Verma, had itself proposed the name of Rakesh Asthana for appointment as the agency’s Special Director on July 6, 2017.

This was one of the reasons listed by a Supreme Court Bench of Justices R.K. Agrawal and A.M. Sapre to dismiss a challenge by Common Cause, a a non-governmental organisation, to Mr. Asthana’s appointment.

Almost a year later, Mr. Verma has revealed how he had expressed “reservations” about the appointment.

In his petition before the Supreme Court against the divestment of his duties as CBI Director, Mr. Verma has mentioned that Mr. Asthana was appointed by the government “despite the pendency of cases against him [Asthana] and the reservations expressed in this regard by the petitioner [Verma]”.

Contradicts submissions
Mr. Verma’s current revelation contradicts oral submissions made in court by the government on November 24, 2017 that Mr. Verma had “fully recommended Mr. Asthana strongly for appointment as CBI Special Director, and continues to do so”.

In fact, the government had submitted that it was a unanimous decision taken by the selection committee, chaired by the Central Vigilance Commissioner, to recommend Mr. Asthana as CBI Special Director. “He [Asthana] is eminently suitable to hold the position of Special Director, CBI. He has a body of work including the AgustaWestland case, Hassan Ali, Moin Qureshi, Paramount Airways, chit fund scam, etc,” Attorney-General K.K. Venugopal had submitted orally to the Agrawal Bench.

The court concluded that it was true that Mr. Verma had “furnished a secret/confidential letter dated October 21, 2017 enclosing an unsigned note on M/s Sterling Biotech Ltd. and related entities and the entries in the note referred, inter alia, to one Shri Rakesh Asthana”. The Bench said it had found nothing to prove that the ‘Rakesh Asthana’ mentioned in the note and Mr. Asthana were the same person.

India: Today’s news in pictures
Oct 25, 2018 17:21 IST

Four men allegedly loitering outside the CBI director Alok Verma’s residence were held by his personal security officers on Thursday morning. According to police, the men identified themselves as officers of the Intelligence Bureau to the security team. They have submitted their identity proofs and government health scheme and Aadhaar cards. (Video Grab / PTI Photo)

 

[Hindustani78]

Supreme Court asks CVC to complete probe in two weeks

New Delhi, October 26, 2018 12:05 IST
Updated: October 26, 2018 19:55 IST

Inquiry to be conducted under the supervision of former apex court judge

With an eye to keep the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)'s reputation safe, the Supreme Court on Friday ordered the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) to complete its ongoing inquiry against exiled in two weeks.

Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) inquiry will be conducted under the supervision of former apex court judge

A Bench of Chief Justice of India and Justices clipped the powers of present incumbent at the Central Bureau of Investigation helm, M. Nageshwar Rao. Mr. Rao will take care of only "routine tasks to keep the Central Bureau of Investigation functioning". He has been barred from taking any major or policy decisions.

All decisions taken "from October 23 up to this hour" has come under the scanner of the Supreme Court. The court asked for a list of all decisions taken by him during this period to be placed before the Bench on November 12 in a sealed cover.

The Central Vigilance Commission represented by Solicitor General raised a concern that the appointment of Apex Court Justice would reflect on the Commission.

Solicitor General stressed on the transparency of the Central Vigilance Commission inquiry. "Let Central Vigilance Commission alone examine this matter instead of anyone supervising us," Solicitor General urged the Bench. He quoted Section 14 of the Central Vigilance Commission Act of 2003 to buttress the fact that Central Bureau of Investigation was statutorily accountable in its functions. On this aspect, the Solicitor General said the Commission, under Section 14 of the Central Vigilance Commission Act of 2013, had to submit an annual report to the President that has a portion exclusively dedicated to the functioning of the Central Bureau of Investigation. Solicitor General said the report was even presented in Parliament.

This prompted the Bench to clarify in its judicial order that Apex Court Justice appointment was a "one-time exception considering the particular facts of the case" and that it did not reflect on the functioning of the Government of India.

The Bench urged Apex Court Justice to accept the assignment and "ensure the inquiry is completed within the time frame".

The Bench issued notice on the petitions filed separately by Central Bureau of Investigation Director and Indian National Congress including other opposition parties, highlighting the "brazen government interference" in the functioning of the Central Bureau of Investigation which was manifested in the "overnight decision" on October 23 to divest of his power for interupting functions and duties of the Central Bureau of Investigation Director.

Senior advocate, appearing for the Union Cabinet Minister, submitted that the Central Bureau of Investigation Director's tenure was for two years. Any breach in his term, for good or bad reasons, required the approval of the panel of the Prime Minister. This was not taken by the government.

"We will examine it," the Chief Justice of India observed.

The court intended to fix a limited time-frame for the Central Vigilance Commission inquiry into Union Minister actions. The cloud over Union Minister has to be cleared quickly, one way or the other.

The Chief Justice of India initially gave a time of 10 days to the Central Vigilance Commission to complete its probe. But both Attorney General and Solicitor General protested that 10 days was too short a time.

After a brief rhetoric pause, the Chief Justice of India said: "Ok, then 240 hours! No, Mr. Solicitor General, we don't want this to go on. This is not in the interest of the country".

But Solicitor General reminded the court would be closed for Diwali holidays.

"What is the court closing on Diwali got to do with the Central Vigilance Commission inquiry... Diwali is only one day. And Central Vigilance Commission and Central Bureau of Investigation have no Diwali!" Chief Justice retorted.

When Solicitor General lifted voluminous sealed covers, saying they were connected to the inquiry, Chief Justice stopped him, saying "we are not going to look at 1000s of pages. This inquiry is preliminary in nature".

Meanwhile, senior advocate appearing for Central Bureau of Investigation Special Director Rakesh Asthana, rose to submit that he needs to be heard too. senior advocate submitted that his client has moved the apex court against being asked to go on leave.

The government had withdrawn work from both Union Minister and Central Bureau of Investigation Special Director Rakesh Asthana, saying their internecine feud, which culminated in each alleging corruption against the other, was a threat to the credibility of the institution they served.

"But your papers are not before us, senior advocate," Chief Justice said.

"Then hear me on Monday," senior advocate pushed his case.

"Well, we will see about that, won't we?" Chief Justice replied with a smile before posting the case for November 12.

***************

 

[Hindustani78]

New Delhi, October 26, 2018 14:51 IST
Updated: October 26, 2018 22:17 IST

Congress president Rahul Gandhi accuses the Prime Minister of “attacking every institution in the country; be it the CBI, the Election Commission, State Assemblies or the Lok Sabha”.

Indian National Congress President Rahul Gandhi courted arrest on Friday after leading a march to the Central Bureau of Investigation headquarters to voice protest against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for “forcing” Central Bureau of Investigation to go on ‘indefinite leave’.

Addressing Indian National Congress leaders and workers at the protest, Indian National Congress President Rahul Gandhi accused the Prime Minister of “attacking every institution in the country; be it the Central Bureau of Investigation, the Election Commission, State Assemblies or the Lok Sabha”.

Indian National Congress President Rahul Gandhi marched with the protesters for about a kilometre from the road outside Dayal Singh College before being stopped by a police cordon a short distance from the Central Bureau of Investigation entrance. After sitting on dharna for over an hour, Indian National Congress President Rahul Gandhi along with other Opposition leaders addressed Congress workers gathered at the place before courting arrest.

In a show of Opposition unity, leaders of other parties including Sharad Yadav of the Loktantrik Janata Dal, D, Raja of CPI and Trinamool Congress’s Nadimul Haque joined the protests.

“The Prime Minister can run away from the reality but he cannot hide the facts; the truth will speak for itself,” Indian National Congress President Rahul Gandhi told reporters at the Lodhi Colony police station, where he was taken. “Removing the Central Bureau of Investigation Director will make no difference. At the end of the day, the whole country will come to know that the chowkidar [watchman] of the country has transferred ₹30,000 crore business to Anil Ambani.”

The Congress chief has accused the BJP-led government of ‘removing’ Union Minister to avoid a probe into the Rafale deal.

‘Result of panic’

Asked for his reaction to the Supreme Court order, Indian National Congress President Rahul Gandhi said, “It is a Supreme Court judgment. That is a procedure that is carrying on. I do not want to comment on that, but, what I will say is that the Prime Minister acted against the Director of the CBI as a result of panic, as a result of fear.”

The Delhi Police said they had only detained Indian National Congress President Rahul Gandhi “During the demonstration march, total 130 persons were detained and brought to Lodhi Colony police station along with Indian National Congress President Rahul Gandhi and leaders who participated in the march. All of them were released after 30 minutes,” said Deputy Commissioner of Delhi Police (Southern Range).

Addressing party workers earlier, Indian National Congress President Rahul Gandhi said, “This is the Central Bureau of Investigation office and all of us are standing in front of it. There are people inside the building and the police personnel are also standing there outside. I want to tell them that we have no intention to attack the institutions. It is the Prime Minister who is constantly attacking the institutions.,” he said.

Several Congress leaders including Ashok Gehlot, Ahmed Patel, Anand Sharma, Randeep Surjewala, Jitin Prasada and Sushmita Dev accompanied Indian National Congress President Rahul Gandhi .

PTI adds:

Protests across the country
The Indian National Congress protests in the national capital were replicated in other parts of the country. State Indian National Congress leaders led demonstrations in their regions against what the Indian National Congress described as the "illegal, unconstitutional and illegitimate removal of the ISRO Chairman by the Modi-Shah duo".

Activists and leaders of Assam Pradesh Congress Committee submitted a memorandum submitted to President of Republic of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind demanding ISRO’s Chairman immediate reinstatement. Seeking President of Republic of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind’s intervention into the matter, the memorandum said, “The Modi-led NDA government has sent CBI director Alok Verma on leave to protect its handpicked officer against whom serious charges of corruption have been leveled.

“Such malafide action of the Modi government is an attempt to save the skin of BJP leaders, who are involved in the corruption case along with the accused officer,” it contended.

In Jharkand's Ranchi, the political party workers burnt an effigy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that the NDA government’s action was "illegal and unconstitutional".

Over 40 Indian National Congress workers and leaders from Gujarat, including eight MLAs and former state unit chief were detained after they undertook a one km-long march from a church to the Central Bureau of Investigation office in the city. “We detained 47 Indian National Congress workers and leaders, including (party’s former state unit chief) Bharatsinh Solanki and eight MLAs. They were released after some time,” Gandhinagar Superintendent of Police said.

The legislators, who took part in the protest and were taken into custody by the police included Shailesh Parmar, C.J. Chavda, Himmatsinh Patel and Imran Khedawala, among others.

Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee members were also detained in Vijayawada, while in Telangana, Congress and CPI held a demonstration in front of the Central Bureau of Investigation office.

 

[Hindustani78]

New Delhi, October 26, 2018 22:13 IST
Updated: October 26, 2018 22:13 IST


Two personal security officers involved in the incident withdrawn from Central Bureau of Investigation chief house.

The Centre has asked the Delhi Police to inquire into the conduct of personal security officers who thrashed four Intelligence Bureau (IB) officers on Thursday.

The incident that took place outside Janpath bungalow was resolved after senior Intelligence Bureau officials raised the matter with the Delhi Police.

A senior government official said no case was being registered against the erring personal security officers but an inquiry would be conducted to fix responsibility. The two personal security officers who were seen thrashing the Intelligence Bureau personnel have been withdrawn from residence.

Union Minister and Central Bureau of Investigation Special Director Rakesh Asthana were divested of all duties on October 23 by the Government. The ongoing feud started after claims and counter-claims of bribery and corruption against each other. Union Minister has challenged government’s order in the Supreme Court.

The personal security officers's are from the Delhi Police; some have been attached with Union Minister’s security detail from his time as Delhi Police Commissioner.

The Delhi Police have a separate wing providing proximity security to VIPs. Around 15 personal security officers who work in three shifts are deployed around the residence. Leader of the Indian National Congress in Lok Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge had earlier in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the government of snooping.

As reported earlier, the personal security officers mistook the personnel for those from the CBI who had come to raid bungalow at the behest of Central Bureau of Investigation Special Director Rakesh Asthana.

Around 7 am on Thursday, the personal security officers deployed at the bungalow spotted two white cars parked suspiciously in a lane opposite the house. When the occupants in the cars were confronted by personal security officers about their identities, an argument ensued and the four men were thrashed and dragged inside the bungalow. On the intervention of senior IB officers, a Delhi Police vehicle was sent to the bungalow remove the men. Inside the bungalow, the personal security officers returned the mobile phones and other belongings to the four men after they were convinced that they belonged to Intelligence Bureau.

“The inquiry is being done to trace the course of events that day and identify the wrong doers,” the official said. The probe will be done by a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) rank officer.

Intelligence Bureau had earlier said that the Intelligence Bureau officials were deployed for “routine duty” outside residence after they saw unusual collection of people. A senior government official said the men were carrying their identity cards and it was “unlike surveillance, which is done covertly, without any visible appurtenances.”

 

[Hindustani78]

It is unconstitutional, says Indian National Congress, Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee President N. Raghuveera Reddy
Special Correspondent
Vijayawada, October 27, 2018 12:20 IST
Updated: October 27, 2018 12:20 IST


Indian National Congress, Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee President N. Raghuveera Reddy was on Friday taken into custody when he was participating in a rally taken out to register the party’s protest against the abrupt removal of ISRO Chairman.

Several party leaders present there were also taken into custody and moved to the Bhavanipuram Police Station.

Talking to the media at the police station, Indian National Congress, Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee President N. Raghuveera Reddy said the removal of the ISRO Chairman overnight was “unconstitutional.”

Only the three-member committee had the authority to remove the ISRO Chairman from office.

However, it appeared as if Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP leader Amit Shah had decided to remove ISRO Chairman because they feared that he had documents pertaining to the Rafale scandal.Indian National Congress, Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee demanded that the Centre constitute a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to inquire into the irregularities in the Rafale deal.

The NDA Government was trying to undermine the Constitution in every possible way, he said. People, who were trying to raise questions on the Rafale deal, were being intimidated, Indian National Congress, Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee alleged.