CBI officer AK Bassi challenges transfer in SC, claims incriminating evidence against Asthana

The senior Central Bureau of Investigation officer, AK Bassi, who was leading the investigations against Rakesh Asthana, has challenged his transfer order to Port Blair in the Supreme Court.

Bassi, in his petition, stated that he has incriminating evidence in the alleged corruption case against Rakesh Asthana. AK Bassi told the apex court that a special investigation team must be set up to investigate the bribery allegations against Asthana.

On October 24, the CBI officer was transferred to Port Blair "in public interest" in an order signed by interim CBI chief Nageshwar Rao. The order asked him to join his new place of posting with immediate effect.

On Friday, the Supreme Court, while hearing the CBI director Alok Verma's plea had said Nageshwar Rao cannot take any policy decisions and will only look after day-to-day administrative matter of the CBI. The Supreme Court had asked for all transfer decisions taken by CBI’s interim director in a sealed cover.