SC gives CVC report to CBI chief Alok Verma; refuses to entertain Rakesh Asthana plea

The Supreme Court, which is hearing the case against CBI Director Alok Verma, has decided to give him the CVC report in a sealed cover. The Supreme Court has asked him to file his response to the report. The court has fixed the matter for further hearing on Tuesday, November 20.

“CVC report is very uncomplimentary on some charges against Alok Verma and on some it says further probe is needed,” said the court.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said the Central Vigilance Commission report should also be given to Attorney General KK Venugopal and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta.

Alok Verma has to file his response by Monday. “We will take up case on Tuesday,” said the Supreme Court.

Additionally, in a set back for special director Rakesh Asthana, the court turned down his request that the CVC report be provided to him as well.

It was stated earlier that there were attempts by the CVC to file a report in such a way that would have kept CBI Director Alok Verma under the realm of suspicion. However, the move was thwarted by retired SC judge Ashok Patnaik, who camped in CVC office. He was assigned to monitor the probe by the Supreme Court

Later, the Supreme Court told the CVC to complete its inquiry against Verma in two weeks.

The war in the country's premier investigating agency came to the fore after an FIR was lodged against Asthana, who has also been divested of all powers, and others on the statement of Hyderabad-based businessman Sathish Babu Sana.