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A stunned nation watched its premier investigation agency- the Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI)- at war within itself over the past two weeks, as the simmering hostility between CBI director Alok Verma and the second ranking officer in the agency, special director Rakesh Asthana, has spilled out in to the open. As both top officials went for each other’s throat, the government’s response only added further controversy to the sordid drama. According to a news portal, quoting top government officials, the internal war within the CBI is being fuelled by some officials in the Prime Minister’s Office and a corporate house. It was a comical tragedy to read how the two top CBI officials have been using their powers to launch investigations against each other. Earlier, a few months ago, when a controversy had broken out on Asthana’s appointment as special director in the CBI and it had become clear that Alok Verma was going to object to his selection in writing, officials say Nripendra Mishra the special secretary to prime minister Modi in the PMO, had summoned the Central Vigilance Commissioner, K.V. Chowdary, and directed him to ensure Asthana was appointed. According to the news portals, the clash between Asthana and Verma has deeper roots – and its implications will run much further than just the careers of the two men. It was said to be connected with the CBI’s ongoing investigation into the coal scam involving West Bengal IAS cadre officer Bhaskar Khulbe who was Advisor industries to the West Bengal government. Khulbe is currently secretary in the PMO and reportedly among one of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s most trusted aides who handles all transfers and postings of Central officials. Khulbe also works closely with P.K. Mishra an additional secretary in the PMO. Khulbe, it is said, was the official when coal blocks were allocated to a Bengal-based company Ramsarup Lohh Udyong Limited in the Moira-Madhujore block in West Bengal. The difference cropped up when Asthana reportedly decided Khulbe could not be an accused but a witness in the coal scam. Asthana has accused Verma of not allowing him to pursue a criminal investigation against RJD Dal leader Lalu Prasad Yadav, a bitter critic of Modi. On his part, Verma questioned Asthana’s credibility, pointing out that he is officially the subject of an investigation in six cases. When Asthana brought in his selected officers under his wing, the CBI told CVC in July this year, that Asthana had no authority to induct officers in Verma’s absence. The open fight between the two should not have happened but it is clear that the ousted CBI chief was not a favourite of the powerful set up. He had to fight for space with a deputy who had the ears of those powerful officials. The kind of skullduggery being enacted within the CBI has confirmed that the agency has been used by political parties for witch hunting against political opponents. Today, no one dare raise any issue -be it those who now find their perks withdrawn for OROP, alleging corruption in the government, institutions etc. It is also very sad that the much hyped “independent” Indian national media, has not forgotten about “investigation” and decided to play safe lest it face the ire of powers that be. The Supreme Court will hear Verma’s petition on October 26 and hopefully, it will set matters right. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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