Alok Verma removed as CBI Director by PM Narendra Modi-led committee

A high-powered committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday removed Alok Verma as CBI director. The decision has been taken barely two days after the Supreme Court reinstated the officer, who was sent on forced leave by the government following a public spat with his deputy Rakesh Asthana. 

The high-powered selected committee met for over two hours to decide the fate of Alok Verma. The select committee comprised Prime Minister Modi, CJI nominee Justice AK Sikri and Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge.

Notably, it was 2-1 against Verma at the end as Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge opposed the move.

Alok Verma, who re-joined office on Wednesday, had revoked most of the transfers done by M Nageshwar Rao, who was appointed as the interim CBI chief in his absence.

The Supreme Court had on January 8 reinstated Verma as CBI Director. However, it restrained him from taking any policy decision until the high-powered committee takes a decision on allegations against him.