New Delhi, October 25: The Central Bureau of Investigation on Thursday issued a statement, clarifying that Alok Verma and Rakesh Asthana have not been removed from the post of director and special director, adding that Nageswara Rao has only been given the interim charge till the CVC decides on the complaints against them.

"Alok Verma continues to remain the Director of the CBI, Rakesh Asthana remains as Special Director and M Nageswara Rao is looking after duties and functions of the Director in the interim period till the time CVC looks into allegations and counter allegations," a CBI spokesperson told reporters.  Alok Verma Not 1st CBI Chief at Loggerheads With Govt, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Had Sacked Trinath Mishra in 1998.

The CBI spokesperson's response came after he was asked about the present status of Verma and Asthana in the CBI. He described as "false" news report that appeared in a section of media suggesting that seven files were removed.

"It is false news. This is being manufactured by vested interest. Every file in CBI at each level is accounted for. These news stories appearing in the media will have an adverse impact on the credibility of the agency. The CBI is fighting cases internationally. Credibility shouldn't suffer," the spokesperson added.

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.

Verma knocked on the doors of the Supreme Court Wednesday, challenging the government's decision. The apex court, bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, will be hearing the petition tomorrow.

(With PTI inputs)

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 25, 2018 07:23 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).