Alok Verma fabricated documents, influenced high-profile cases as CBI chief, says CVC note submitted to PM-headed selection panel

New Delhi: Former CBI director Alok Kumar Verma may have resigned from service, but he will have to face the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) inquiry into certain grave allegations that have been leveled against him by serving officers of the investigating agency. According to top sources, the CVC report submitted to the prime minister-headed selection panel had highlighted at least six cases, which Verma allegedly tried to influence as head of the agency. It has been alleged that Verma diluted look out circular against former Aircel owner C Sivasankaran in IDBI bank fraud case. The CVC note submitted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi-headed panel, and reviewed by Firstpost, reveals that Verma also allegedly fabricated a secret note submitted to the CVC selection panel to scuttle the promotion of his bête noire Rakesh Asthana. [caption id=“attachment_5439431” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] File image of CBI chief Alok Verma. PTI[/caption] “During the inquiry and while examining the representations of the Special Director (Asthana) it was noticed that the secret note dated 21.10.2017 placed before the selection committee, constituted under section 26 of CVC act 2003, appears to be a fabricated document in as much as the author of the document stated that the document was given to him by Director. But, the document prepared by the officer concerned (DIG SU) did not contain certain damaging paras. The authorship of these damaging paras by any authorized person is not established. This casts serious doubts about the integrity of Alok Verma who placed the said document before the committee and later did not submit any report and documents on the allegations contained in the said ‘Secret Note’ as repeatedly requested by the commission,” CVC note to the selection panel said. The CVC will also start probing allegations received from the CBI officials. It has been alleged by some officers that Verma protected accused persons from legal punishment and criminal prosecution in infamous NHRM scam of Uttar Pradesh. It has been alleged that he also protected two bank fraud accused and tried to cover up the leakage of internal emails in Nirav Modi case. The CVC on 26 December 2018 had asked the CBI to produce the documents related to these allegations but the agency has produced files and documents related to dilution of look out circular against Vijay Mallya on 8 January 2019. “Documents/ files in respect of remaining cases are yet to be produced by the CBI. The matter is under inquiry,” the CVC told the panel in the meeting that was held to decide on Verma’s transfer. The CVC also observed that some of the allegations contained in the complaint forwarded by the Cabinet Secretary under investigation are prima facie established and they are of very grave nature impacting on the integrity of the officer concerned and the institution. The CVC has also observed that Verma’s conduct in meat exporter Moin Qureshi case is suspicious and requires a thorough criminal investigation. The vigilance watchdog has also reasonably concluded that Verma as CBI Director deliberately excluded the name of key conspirator in IRCTC scam FIR and tried to help the suspected officer. “Some of the allegations requires further detailed investigation which will not be possible with Alok Verma heading the same organisation which is to conduct such investigations. Production of fabricated/ non-genuine documents before the selection committee reflects complete lack of integrity and fairness,” the CVC further added. The Supreme Court on 26 October had asked the CVC to complete the inquiry against Verma within two weeks under the supervision of Justice AK Patnaik, a retired apex court judge. During the inquiry, the CVC examined a number of documents, records, and summoned several CBI officials and recorded their statements. Subsequently, it submitted a report to the Supreme Court in sealed cover.