Was made whipping boy by media, says Ranjit Sinha

Ranjit Sinha, who retired as CBI director Tuesday and whose tenure was marked by some major controversies, said he was made a "whipping boy" by the media.

Speaking at his farewell function at the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) headquarters here, Sinha said decisions taken by him were in the interests of the CBI and he stands by them.

Sinha had to recuse himself from the 2G spectrum investigation days before his retirement, following orders of the Supreme Court.

The apex court's directive came on the plea of lawyer Prashant Bhushan, who sought direction that Sinha should desist from interfering in the investigation and prosecution of 2G cases.

Bhushan's allegations were based on Sinha's alleged frequent meetings with the 2G accused or people allegedly operating on their behalf at his official residence.

During his tenure, Sinha had accepted the Supreme Court's observation that the CBI was a "caged parrot" that "speaks in its master's voice".

The court's observation came on Sinha's affidavit filed during the term of the United Progressive Alliance government, stating that then law minister Ashwani Kumar and officials of the Prime Minister's Office and the coal ministry made certain changes in the report on the allocation of coal blocks.

Sinha took over as CBI chief Dec 3, 2012.