There was "no evidence" of corruption against Alok Verma, and the decision of a Prime Minister-led committee to sack him as chief of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) was "very, very hasty", a former Supreme Court judge who monitored the vigilance inquiry into allegations against Mr Verma has said. Justice AK Patnaik has also said "none of the findings in the CVC (Central Vigilance Commission) report are mine".

The probe against Alok Verma was entirely based on the complaint of his deputy, CBI special director Rakesh Asthana, Justice Patnaik told NDTV.

The former judge also said that the investigation report sent to him by the vigilance body was "purportedly signed by Mr Asthana", but he did not personally depose before the CVC.

Mr Verma was transferred as Director General, Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guards on Thursday, just two days after he was reinstated as CBI boss with riders by the Supreme Court. The court had cancelled a controversial midnight government order on October 23 sending him on forced leave, along with Mr Asthana.