Four men were nabbed by CBI director Alok Verma’s security outside his 2, Janpath bungalow for allegedly spying on the exiled CBI boss.
Four people detained outside CBI director Alok Verma’s official bungalow in Delhi on Thursday morning were from the Intelligence Bureau and were on "routine deployment" in a high-security zone where several protectees reside, sources from the agency said.
The men were detained by Verma’s security outside his 2, Janpath bungalow for allegedly spying on the exiled CBI boss. They were handed over to the Delhi Police by his guards who identified them as IB sleuths.
While Rajnath Singh-led Home Ministry did not comment on the development, IB sources said the agency is entrusted with the responsibility of collecting intelligence on situations that may affect, inter alia, public order and internal security.
"Among other things, its units are routinely deployed on a regular basis in sensitive areas. At times, this is done in association with local law enforcement agencies and at other times, a surprise element is also built in. This also enables LEAs to respond immediately to developing situations," the sources said.
They added that since such officials are on routine duties, they carry their identity cards. This is unlike surveillance which is done covertly, without any visible appurtenances, they said.
"One such unit, in early hours of today, halted on Janpath, where there was an unusual collection of people. This was with a view to check the reason why people had collected at the location. This is a high-security zone where several protectees reside. Unfortunately, their presence was projected otherwise," the sources said.
The alleged ‘spying’ on CBI chief comes a day after high-voltage drama at the CBI Headquarters. In late night developments, Verma and his deputy Rakesh Asthana were sent on leave by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on Wednesday. Joint Director M Nageshwar Rao was appointed as the interim CBI boss.
Meanwhile, the Central Vigilance Commission said that Verma was "non-cooperative" and created "wilful obstructions" in the functioning of was probing allegations against him and his deputy Rakesh Asthana.
CVC that supervises the functioning of the CBI, on Tuesday stripped both the officers of official powers citing extra-ordinary and unprecedented circumstances.
Asthana approached the CVC with a complaint alleging interference by Verma in an ongoing probe and also demand of Rs 2 crore from the accused in another investigation.
CVC said three notices were served on Verma asking for an explanation asking for files and documents but Verma did not respond.
"Despite repeated assurances and reminders, the Director, CBI failed to furnish the records/files before the Commission," CVC said.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
 "New Delhi:")
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}