CVC submits report on CBI Director Alok Verma in sealed cover

The Supreme Court on Friday fixed the Central Bureau of Investigation Director Alok Verma related bribery case for hearing on November 20. The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has submitted its investigation report in a sealed cover and Justice (retired) AK Patnaik under whose supervision CVC is conducting the investigation has also submitted a note.

The top court has directed that the CVC report should be given to Verma in sealed cover whereupon Verma can file his response and court can thereafter take a decision. The court also said that the above course of action has been taken keeping in mind confidentiality and sanctity of the institution CBI.

The apex court said, "The report is very complimentary, not so complimentary and very uncomplimentary towards CBI Director Alok Verma. CVC has said in its report that some charges need further probe".

Verma's counsel Fali Nariman said, "He will be ready with the response on CVC's report by Monday (November 19) and will list the matter on Tuesday (November 20)."

The Supreme Court refused to give the inquiry report to CBI Special Director Rakesh Asthana.

The court also said that it will take a decision on CBI's Deputy Superintendent of Police AK Bassi's application later. Bassi who was the Investigation Officer in the case had moved the court following his transfer orders. On October 24, Bassi was transferred and posted as Deputy SP ACB Port Blair.

On the same day, Verma too had moved the apex court against the Centre's leave order. Gopal Sankaranarayanan, the lawyer appearing for Verma, had told the apex court that the Centre has asked his client to go on leave, hence compromising the investigation into various sensitive cases.