CBI raids CBI: Rakesh Asthana moves Delhi High Court on FIR against him

Rakesh Asthana — Special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Director on Tuesday knocked the door of the Delhi High Court against the FIR filed against him in a bribery case. He sought Court’s direction and asked for no coercive action to be taken against him.

Notably, Asthana’s petition comes hours after DSP Devendra Kumar moved High Court seeking dismissal of the bribery case filed against him.

“This matter is of great urgency. The person whose arrest was recommended by Asthana has now been made a complainant and based on his complaint this FIR has been filed. Any investigation without proper permission will be illegal,” an advocate told ANI.

He will not be arrested at least till Monday — when the case is taken up next — the Delhi High Court said and issued a notice to the CBI and its chief Alok Verma, Mr Asthana’s boss.

The matter has been postponed to Monday, October 29. On Monday, CBI director has to respond to the allegations levelled by Rakesh Asthana. Till then no action can be taken against him, says Delhi High Court.

However, ANI quoted Counsel for CBI saying, “Charges very serious against the accused including that of bribery. Charges under prevention of corruption act along with criminal conspiracy. Charges of extortion and forgery will be added(sic)”.

The CBI claimed that Kumar was part of extortion racket being run in the garb of the investigation. The agency has sought Mr Kumar’s custody for 10 days and asked the judge’s approval to add more charges in the FIR.

In addition, CBI Deputy SP Devendra Kumar — who was produced before Delhi’s Patiala House Court on Tuesday — is also seeking bail.

Presenting the case, the CBI told the court that “incriminating documents and evidence were found after raiding his office and residence.” The CBI had raided its own headquarters in the national capital on Monday.

Also read: CBI raids CBI: Rakesh Asthana seeks bail, Alok Verma requests for his suspension