Delhi HC to hear CBI's plea seeking more time to probe Rakesh Asthana on Oct 9

The Delhi High Court slated the hearing on a fresh application filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) seeking more time to probe charges against its officials Rakesh Asthana, Devender Kumar for October 9.

The CBI had on September 30 moved the court seeking time to complete the investigation into the corruption charges levelled against the duo. The agency moved the court on the expiry of the four months extension granted to it to investigate the case.

According to the application, it sought the extension as there is an issue relating to the investigation in the foreign countries. Justice Vibhu Bakhru will hear the matter on the next date of the hearing.

The agency has also submitted to the court a status report in a sealed cover containing all the development made in the investigation so far.

Prior to this, the CBI had filed a status report in March earlier this year mentioning the progress made in the investigation and sought further time from the court which was subsequently allowed.

Asthana and Devendra Kumar are being probed by the CBI for allegedly accepting the bribe in exchange for a clean chit to Hyderabad-based businessman Sathish Babu Sana.

Asthana had also accused former CBI Director Alok Verma of trying to falsely implicate him in the case, following which the Centre sent both on leave last year.

Last week, CBI officer Satish Dagar, who was investigating the corruption case against Asthana, applied for voluntary retirement.