CBI vs CBI: Rakesh Asthana can’t be arrested till Thursday, rules Delhi High Court

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Number 2 officer, Rakesh Asthana seems to have been given an interim relief by the Delhi High Court on Monday. The Court said that Asthana cannot be arrested till Thursday.

The CBI was asked to maintain status quo on proceedings against its Special Director, who was sent on compulsory leave by the government, till November 1. The court had last week given him protection till today.

A bench of Justice Najmi Waziri questioned the prime investigation agency for not filing a reply to requests of Asthana and another official seeking quashing of the First Information Report (FIR).

On Monday, the Court has directed the agency CBI to file a reply before Thursday. Rakesh Asthana had written to the Chief Vigilance Commission (CVC), the top anti-corruption watchdog, that it was his boss, CBI director Alok Verma, who had taken a bribe from a Hyderabad-based businessman being investigated by the agency.

The businessman Satish Sana — who accused Asthana of taking a bribe asked for protection after being summoned by the CBI today for questioning. The complainant, Satish Sana, has asked the Supreme Court for interim protection.

Notably, Rakesh Asthana and Alok Verma were sent on forced leave last week and M Nageswar Rao was appointed as the interim CBI chief. Exiled CBI chief, Alok Verma approached the Supreme Court against the government for removing him of his powers. The top court said a vigilance inquiry against him would be time-bound and monitored by an ex-judge.

The top court hasn’t given any ruling on Asthana’s petition, challenging the forced leave.

Also read: RoC: CBI interim chief M Nageswar Rao’s wife gave Rs 1.14 crore to firm