Arun Jaitley: CBI’s top two are like Caesar’s wife and must be beyond suspicion

The fight in the corridors of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has shaken up the entire country though the Centre is dismissing it as nothing has happened. Like almost all issues, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the time-bound enquiry against the CBI Director Alok Verma is “extremely positive development” drawing a parallel with Caeser’s wife. He also said that it is in country’s best interests.

“All officers of the CBI, particularly the top two, are like Caesar’s wife and must be beyond suspicion,” Jaitley was quoted as saying by the NDTV.

“In order to ensure fairness, the Supreme Court has appointed a retired judge to oversee the investigation,” Mr Jaitley was quoted. The Finance Minister added that Centre is “only interested in maintaining professionalism, the image and the institutional integrity of the CBI.”

Defending the government’s move to send both Alok Verma and Special Director Rakesh Asthana, Jaitley said the turnouts have “eroded the reputation of the CBI” and the government’s move came in “larger national interest”.

“The Supreme Court’s direction setting a two-week time frame would further strengthen the fairness criteria of the investigations…and the appointment of a retired judge would ensure a fair inquiry,” he said.

The expression ‘Caesar’s wife must be above suspicion’ is culled from the William Shakespeare drama of 16th century, which actually means that people in high pedestals must be of spotless integrity.

The Union Finance Minister’s comments were prompted by Congress president Rahul Gandhi’s protest outside the CBI headquarters in the capital on Friday. Congress has been targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Rafale issue and then on the CBI matter.

“Truth prevails in Supreme Court. Modi Government’s sinister attempt to capture CBI through lackeys falls flat. A slap in face of tyrants who wanted to pin the last nail in CBI’s independence. CVC can’t act as Modi Government’s pawn but would be supervised by a SC judge to act fairly,” Randeep Surjewala, Congress’ chief spokesperson, tweeted.

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