Rafale file was not under Alok Verma says CBI
New Delhi, Oct 26: The CBI Thursday rejected reports that files related to several crucial cases, including that of the Rafale fighter aircraft deal, was under the consideration of its Director Alok Verma when he was divested of his powers by the Centre.
In an unprecedented shake-up in the CBI's 55-year-history, both Verma and his deputy, Special Director Rakesh Asthana, were divested of their powers and sent on leave in a dramatic overnight action by the government Tuesday night.
CVC still waiting for CBI report on year-old secret note with allegations against Rakesh Asthana
A news report claimed Thursday that several crucial files, including the one related to the Rafale fighter jet deal, was under the consideration of Verma when the Centre in a mid-night order divested him of his powers.
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,
he
said.
Activist lawyer Prashant Bhushan and former Union minister Arun Shourie had submitted a detailed complaint to Verma on October 4 regarding alleged corruption in the deal signed with France's Dassault Aviation to buy 36 Rafale aircraft.
Along with the "detailed" complaint under the Prevention of Corruption Act, Bhushan and Shourie had also submitted documents buttressing their argument for the need of probe.
Alok Verma remains CBI Director, Asthana Spl Director, Rao given only interim charge: CBI
Alleging that the offset contract for Rafale aircraft was actually a commission to an private company, they had asked Verma to take the government's permission to initiate a probe in accordance with the law.
Apart from protecting Asthana (Special Director) from investigation, the Rafale complaint by Shourie, Sinha and myself, entertained by the CBI Director, must be another reason for the Govt to remove him with such alacrity by this midnight order, Bhushan had tweeted Wednesday.