NEW DELHI: In growing evidence of escalating differences between CBI director Alok Verma and his second in command, special director Rakesh Asthana , the agency head has told the Central Vigilance Commission ( CVC ) that Asthana cannot represent him in meetings to consider postings.

Verma has informed the CVC that Asthana’s role in various cases was itself under the scanner and said the CBI should be given sufficient time before convening such meetings as it needed to do thorough background checks on officials to be posted in the agency before giving its opinion in the matter.

Sources confirmed that a letter had gone to the CVC from the policy division of the CBI. The differences between Verma and Asthana, a Gujarat cadre IPS officer probing some politically sensitive cases, have been an open secret for some time now and are seen to have affected functioning of the agency.

The letter said Asthana could not be consulted for inducting officers in the agency in the absence of Verma who is currently in Uruguay to attend an Interpol meeting.

The issue arose after the CVC sought the presence of the CBI director in a selection committee meeting on July 12. The CVC said in the absence of the director, the officer holding charge could be sent.

The CBI conveyed to the commission that charge had not been handed to Asthana despite he being the second in command. It asked the commission to postpone the meeting till Verma returned.

The agency wrote that the issue was discussed with the director over phone who decided that Asthana could not represent him in such meetings as his role was under the scanner in some investigation.

The committee for appointment of officers in the CBI comprises the central vigilance commissioner (chairperson), vigilance commissioners, home secretary and secretary (coordination and public grievances in the cabinet secretariat).

For all appointments, extension or curtailment of tenure of officers above the rank of superintendent of police, the committee has to consult the CBI director. Based on the recommendations of the committee, the central government issues orders.

CBI refused to comment on the letter.

