Modi govt's bid to avoid Rafale deal probe behind CBI 'drama': Sinha

Former Union minister Yashwant Sinha Wednesday alleged the Modi government's attempts to avoid an inquiry into the Rafale deal was behind the ongoing turmoil in the CBI.

Charging that the Modi government had "destroyed" the credibility of the CBI, the former BJP leader said the Centre's decision to remove agency director Alok Verma was "illegal" and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had no authority to do so.

Sinha also alleged that the government could go to any extent to "destroy" the country's institutions in order to protect itself from any inquiry.

Verma and CBI's Special Director Rakesh Asthana, who were at loggerheads, were divested of their powers and sent on leave by the government. A late night order Tuesday from the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent Verma and Asthana on leave.

The government has strongly defended its decision, saying it was "absolutely essential" to maintain the CBI's institutional integrity. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley asserted the government's decision to send Verma and his deputy Rakesh Asthana was based on recommendations by the Central Vigilance Commissioner