HC allows Alok Verma to inspect Rakesh Asthana's case file

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday allowed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Director Alok Verma and Joint Director AK Sharma to inspect the case diary related to the FIR against the Central probe agency's Special Director Rakesh Asthana at the office of Central Vigilance Commission (CVC).

Verma will inspect the case file on November 29, while Sharma will inspect the same on November 30 at the CVC office in the presence of CBI's Superintendent of Police Satish Dagar.

The High Court's order comes while hearing the plea filed by Asthana seeking quashing of FIR against him in an alleged bribery case. CBI's Joint Director, Sharma in his reply to Asthana's plea, said that the "probe against him (Asthana) is at the initial stage and because of that the FIR should not be quashed."

The High Court extended till December 7 its order directing the CBI to maintain status quo in the matter. Asthana came under scrutiny after the CBI filed an FIR against him on the charges of alleged extortion, forgery, bribery, and corruption.