Internal squabble in CBI shocking: Former officials

The internal squabble in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is shocking and unprecedented in the history of the country's premier investigation agency, former officials of the probe agency said.

Former Assistant Director of CBI, NS Kharayat has said that the central government should take the issue very seriously. "The CBI is directly under the Prime Minister. This incident is unparalleled in the history of the CBI. This is very unfortunate that one special director of the CBI is facing corruption charges. The CBI is such a reputed agency and it is the duty of CBI officials to maintain its dignity and image I am shocked that the government has not woken up yet," Kharatyat told ANI.

Meanwhile, former Joint-Director of the CBI NK Singh termed the matter unfortunate and told ANI, "It is the most unfortunate. There have been ups and downs in the CBI in the past too. But, whatever is happening today has been never heard before. The credibility of the CBI is also lost now."

On September 21, the CBI filed an FIR against its own Special Director, Rakesh Asthana, in connection with the Moin Qureshi case.

Asthana also accused the CBI director Alok Verma of trying to thwart investigations in important cases. However, the CBI later issued a statement in which it defended Verma and criticised Asthana.