Former CBI director Alok Verma, whose tenure ended controversially after being removed from his position in October 2018, is now reportedly running from pillar to post to claim his retirement benefits.
A confidential letter of the Ministry of Home Affairs allegedly states that Verma’s General Provident Fund (GPF) and other retirement benefits have been held back by the Central government after he went on an unauthorised leave between 11 January and 31 January 2019, reported IANS in The New Indian Express.
Citing Alok Verma’s leave as a breach in service, the letter dated 14 October reportedly says, “Verma’s matter was examined by the Ministry and it was decided to treat the period of absence of Shri Alok Verma from 11.01.2019 to 31.01.2019 as dies non.”
The Home Ministry reportedly sought advice from the Department of Legal Affairs regarding the release of Verma’s GPF after the former CBI boss wrote them a letter on 27 June last. The legal department, however, asked the Home Ministry to consult the Ministry of Labour and Department of Expenditure, and their response on the matter is reportedly still pending.
Alok Verma was first officially removed from his post at the CBI director in October 2018 after a very public fight with former Special Director Rakesh Asthana. He was removed on the recommendation of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) but was reinstated by the Supreme Court on 9 January 2019.
Two days later, however, Verma was again removed by a high-level selection committee that included Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The controversy started when the CBI, under the leadership of Alok Verma, had decided to file an FIR against Rakesh Asthana for accepting bribes in a money laundering scam. This was followed by Asthana pressing similar charges of corruption against Verma.
Upon intervention by the government, Verma was transferred to the post of Director General of fire services, civil defence and home guards. He had declined the position and tendered his resignation.
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