Spl director cannot represent CBI chief in selection meetings: CBI

The CBI has told the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) that its Special Director R K Asthana cannot represent its Director Alok Verma during meetings for giving clearance to officials being considered for posting in the agency as his role in various cases is under the "scanner".

The CBI has also asked the transparency watchdog to give it sufficient time before convening such meetings as it needs to do a thorough background check of officials to be posted in the agency before giving its opinion in matters, sources said.

The letter from the CBI's policy division states that Asthana cannot be consulted for inducting officers in the agency in the absence of Verma, who is right now in Uruguay to attend an Interpol meeting.

The issue came up after the CVC sought the presence of the CBI director in the selection committee meeting which was to be held on July 12.

The CVC said in the absence of the director, an officer holding the charge could be sent.

The CBI conveyed to the commission that the charge has not been handed to Asthana who is second in command in the agency.

The agency asked the commission to postpone the meeting till its director, Verma, returns to work.

In the letter, the policy division said that the issue was discussed with the director over phone who decided that Asthana cannot represent him in such meetings as his role is under scanner in some investigation.

It also told the commission that sufficient time should be given to it before convening such a meeting which was conveyed to the CVC in its letter in May this year.

The committee for the appointment of officers in the CBI comprises of the Central Vigilance Commissioner (Chairperson), Vigilance Commissioners (Members), Home Secretary and Secretary (Co-ordination and Public Grievances the Cabinet Secretariat).

For all appointments, extension or curtailment of tenure of the officers above the rank of Superintendent of Police, the committee has to consult of the CBI director.

Based on the recommendations of the committee, the Central government issues orders.