Recommendation on Asthana as CBI special director was unanimous: CVC

The Central Vigilance Commission had unanimously cleared the elevation of Gujarat cadre IPS officer Rakesh Asthana to the post of Special Director in the CBI, Central Vigilance Commissioner K V Chowdary said on Thursday.

"There are some reports in the press to the contrary. I do not want to join issue with them but I will only say that the process has been followed and the recommendations are unanimous," he said.

Asthana's promotion from Additional Director to Special Director in the CBI on Sunday late night was clouded by reports that a Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) panel had opposed his elevation citing integrity issues.

Chowdary said the CBI Director is an invitee in the CVC selection committee meeting which was held on Saturday.

"The Committee discussed and the CBI Director (Alok Verma) who was to be consulted has been consulted. He has given his frank and free views on all the categories of the appointments to be made," he told a press conference here.

Chowdary said his views have been taken into account and unanimous recommendations have been made to the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).

"The selection committee has recommended the appointment as per the agenda...Whatever views he (CBI Director) has given whether you consider it as acceptance or dissent, they have been taken note of...Whether his views were opposed or in favour for somebody that is not appropriate for me to comment on," he said.

Chowdary said the clearance from a CVC committee is required for the appointment and promotion of officers from the ranks of Superintendent of Police up to Special Director.

The five-person committee comprises the Central Vigilance Commissioner as Chairperson, two vigilance commissioners and two secretaries of the Government of India -- Secretary, Department of Personnel and Training, and Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, as members.

The Director CBI needs to be consulted or his views are to be sought in this regard and is invited as a special invitee in the meeting, he said.

The views of the CBI Director have been taken note of and detailed minutes of meeting have been recorded and a recommendation has been made to the ACC, he said.

"The views of the consultations does not mean whatever the other person says should be accepted," he said, when asked whether there was a dissent from CBI Director on the proposal to elevate Asthana.

The ACC issued orders for the promotion of Asthana, a 1984-batch IPS officer, on October 22, 2017.

Seven other IPS officers were also given promotions through that order.