New Delhi: Following the order of the Supreme Court, the Selection Panel meeting was held. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, opposition leader Kharge and Supreme Court Chief Justice’s nominee Justice Sikri were part of the meeting. In a majority decision arrived in meeting(with Kharge’s dissenting note), CBI chief Alok Verma’s transfer was recommended.

The ACC has subsequently posted Shri Verma as DG, Fire Services, Civil Defence, and Home Guards.

According to sources, the panel took into account the extremely serious nature of observations made by the CVC against Shri Alok Verma. The panel was of the view, that being the head of a very sensitive organisation, Shri Verma was not functioning with the integrity expected of him.

CVC found evidence of influencing of investigation in the Moin Qureshi case. There was also evidence of taking of bribe of Rs. 2 crore. CVC was of the view that his conduct in the case is suspicious, and there is a prima facie case against him. The CVC also felt that the entire truth will come out if a criminal investigation is ordered.

In the IRCTC case, the CVC felt that it can be reasonably concluded that Shri Verma deliberately excluded a name from the FIR, for reasons best known to him.

The CVC found evidence against Verma in several other cases as well.

The CVC also found instances of wilful non-production of record, and fabrication of record.

The Committee also took note of Verma’s attempts to induct officers of doubtful integrity in CBI.

In response to the insinuation that he was not given a chance to be heard, it may be noted that Shri Verma was given an opportunity to present his case before the CVC, in presence of Retd. Justice Patnaik.

Supreme Court also provided a copy of the CVC report to Shri Verma’s advocate.

The mandate of the Selection Panel headed by PM is limited to appointment of CBI chief, and transfer of CBI chief.

The Committee felt that as a detailed investigation, including criminal investigation, was necessary, in some cases, his continuation as CBI Director was not desirable, and he should be transferred.

In response to the insinuation that he was not given a chance to be heard, it may be noted that:

1) Shri Verma was given an opportunity to present his case before the CVC, in presence of Retd. Justice Patnaik, appointed by the Supreme Court.

2) Supreme Court also provided a copy of the CVC report to Shri Verma’s advocate.

3) The mandate of the Selection Panel headed by PM is limited to appointment of CBI chief, and transfer of CBI chief.

DeshGujarat