Home secretary Anil Goswami sacked

Anil Goswami was accused of attempting to stall the arrest of Congress leader Matang Sinh in Saradha scam

Home Secretary Anil Goswami was tonight removed from the post in the wake of controversy over his alleged attempt to stall the arrest of Saradha scam accused Matang Sinh, a former Congress minister at the centre.

"Home Secretary has been removed," official sources said on a day of hectic activities following media reports that Goswami, a UPA-government appointee, had tried to prevent CBI officials from arresting Sinh on Saturday.

Sources privy to the developments said that after his admission over making telephone calls to CBI officials, Goswami's continuance as Home Secretary had become "untenable".

Perturbed over media reports on the issue, Home Minister had last night talked to Goswami, who made the admission about the calls. Soon after, the Home Minister briefed the Prime Minister.

Today, Singh called Goswami to his office and they discussed the issue for nearly an hour. Goswami is believed to have given his version of the episode and the reason behind making the call to the CBI, the sources said, refusing to divulge more information on the matter.