CBI director says agency not a political tool

Refuting charges that the Central Bureau of Investigation acted as a "political tool", its director Anil Sinha on Friday asserted that the central agency would maintain its independence in future too.

"The Central Bureau of Investigation is not a political tool. It will never be in the future too. It only follows the instructions of judiciary," Sinha said while speaking at Agenda Aaj Tak conclave here.

He said he did not receive any call from any political leader to seek favours ever since he took charge as CBI director a year ago.

The CBI chief reiterated the demand for a law to empower the central agency to take over probe into organised crimes at the national level.

"Considering the demands of the 21st century, we should be concerned over tackling organised crimes with the help of improved national laws," he said.

Asked about underworld don Dawood Ibrahim's arrest, Sinha said several government agencies were working on the issue. He however refused to disclose any details.

"It will be difficult to give any exact time frame (for Dawood's arrest). It may happen tomorrow or any other time as it is an operational process," Sinha said.

Giving an example of long-absconding underworld don Chhota Rajan, the CBI director said: "We identified his location six months ago. We located him, caught him and brought him back to India."

Sinha, who took over as CBI chief in December last year, said many international agencies helped CBI in arresting Rajan.

If similar cooperation was received from other countries, efforts to bring back Dawood would also succeed, he added.

"Deportation is not possible through cooperation by one country; other countries should also help," Sinha said.

As to why the CBI raided Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister's residence in Shimla on the day of his daughter's marriage, Sinha said: "There were no elaborate arrangements for the marriage. Even people of Shimla did not know about any such function."

"If no one had any information about the marriage, how can the CBI know about it," Sinha asked.