CBI Faces Another Infighting, Deputy SP Accuses Joint Director of Fake Encounters And Corruption
Less than a year after a bitter fight between then CBI Director Alok Verma and his deputy Rakesh Asthana, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has again embroiled in infighting.
New Delhi, September 26: Less than a year after a bitter fight between then CBI Director Alok Verma and his deputy Rakesh Asthana, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has again embroiled in infighting. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) with the CBI, NP Mishra, has written to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), alleging that Joint Director AK Bhatnagar is involved in fake encounters and corruption, News18 reported. CBI vs CBI Battle Explained: Why Alok Kumar Verma and Rakesh Asthana are at Loggerheads? How it All Started.
In his letter to PMO, DSP Mishra alleged that Bhatnagar was "grossly involved in fake criminal and fake encounter of 14 innocent people in Jharkhand". He further stated that if Bhatnagar is not removed from the CBI, "there is every likelihood of casting aspersions on the working of CBI in as much as influencing the process of investigation". Relatives of people killed in fake encounters have objected to Bhatnagar's posting at CBI, the DSP wrote. Rakesh Asthana Bribery Case: CBI Arrests Officer Devender Kumar For Fabricating Statement Against Director Alok Kumar Verma.
Alleging that Bhatnagar has been involved in various corrupt activities, DSP Mishra said that concerned authorities have been informed at various occasions about the Joint Director's wrongdoings by different people. Mishra also claimed that Bhatnagar was misusing his official position to prepone the hearing in his transfer case in Delhi High Court. Bhatnagar has filed a petition for early hearing as he fears "getting exposed by the complaints", Mishra claimed.
In November 2018, Mishra had accused three senior officers of corruption and manipulation of evidence in Chattisgarh journalist Umesh Rajput’s murder case. The reputation of the CBI took a hit last year when Verma and Asthana had hurled corruption charges against each other in October last year. The government had on October 23, 2018, sent the then top two officers on forced leave after divesting them of their powers.
The infighting had led to many transfers and the agency was virtually divided into two groups. The row finally ended with the ouster of Verma on January 10, an unprecedented move in the history of CBI since its inception in 1941.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 26, 2019 11:05 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).