Asthana row: CBI officer AK Bassi challenges his transfer

Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) officer AK Bassi, who was given the charge to investigate the alleged bribery case against its Special Director Rakesh Asthana, has moved the Supreme Court challenging his transfer order.

The apex court, however, has refused to give an urgent hearing in the matter.

Bassi, the former Deputy Superintendent of Police (SP) in Delhi CBI's AC III unit, also claimed that he has incriminating evidence against Asthana in the alleged bribery case.

The CBI official has urged the apex court to set up a Special Investigating Team (SIT) to probe charges against Asthana.

CBI had registered an FIR against Asthana on October 21 and Bassi was appointed as the investigating officer (IO) of the case.

On October 24, however, Bassi was transferred and posted as Deputy SP, CBI, ACB Port Blair. He was directed to join his new place of posting with immediate effect in public interest. Along with Bassi, several other officers were also transferred.

Earlier this month, the CBI had filed the FIR against Asthana for allegedly accepting a bribe from a businessman, who was linked to Moin Akhtar Qureshi case. Asthana was heading the Special Investigation Team (SIT) that was probing the case.