Subramanian Swamy meets CBI chief Verma, urges PM not to remove him on basis of CVC report

BJP lawmaker Subramanian Swamy Thursday said CBI Director Alok Verma cannot be removed merely on the basis of a CVC report, without the government hearing him.

He asked the prime minister to not to listen to "bogus legal brains" in the government who had given wrong advice and landed the government in such a situation.Swamy came to the probe agency's headquarters to meet Verma, who resumed his duties Wednesday. He told reporters that the CVC (Central Vigilance Commission) report was based on the version of another officer who gave a "false report".

"It has to be investigated. I don't think it can be done (Verma can be removed). If Verma is removed problem will get only worse not better. I would like the prime minister to take steps to see that this episode becomes history," Swamy said. Swamy, however, said he was not at the probe agency's office regarding this issue.

Verma returned to his office after a 77-day exile following the Supreme Court setting aside a controversial government order divesting him of all powers, amidst unprecedented public spat with Special Director Rakesh Asthana, who was booked by the agency under corruption charges. Verma and Asthana were sent on forced leave by the government, through two separate orders issued on October 23, 2018 late evening.
In its order Tuesday, the Supreme Court set aside Verma's forced leave but restrained him from taking any major policy decision till the CVC probe into corruption charges against him is over.