Raipur: Congress-led Chhattisgarh government is the latest to join the bandwagon in withdrawing general consent accorded to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe cases in the state. With this, the agency would now require permission to conduct raids and investigation in the Chhattisgarh. The Bhupesh Baghel government’s decision came close on the heels of a similar step taken by Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal, a few months back. Also Read - BJP MLA Nitish Rane Requests Security For Disha Salian's Fiance Rohan Rai, Says ‘He is Scared To Return To Mumbai’

The development comes on a day when a Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led panel removed Alok Verma as the CBI chief and posted him as Director General of Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guards after an inquiry report by the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) accused him of corruption. Also Read - Sushant Singh Rajput's Flatmate Siddharth Pitani to CBI: After Disha Salian's Death, He Feared His Life, Said 'I Will Be Killed'

The Chhattisgarh government has written to the Union Home Ministry and the Ministry of Personnel asking them to direct the CBI not to register fresh cases in the state, the officials were quoted as saying to PTI, citing an official statement. Also Read - Sushant Singh Rajput Money-Laundering Case: ED To Take 'Decisive Action' Against Rhea Chakraborty And Family

The Chhattisgarh government in 2001 had given general permission to the CBI, the officials said. The withdrawal of general consent will not have any impact on the cases already being probed by the CBI.

Earlier in November last year, hours after the Chandrababu Naidu government in Andhra Pradesh withdrew the general consent accorded to the CBI to conduct raids and carry out investigations in the state, Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government also revoked the free pass or general consent to country’s top probe agency. Banerjee had earlier backed Andhra Pradesh’s CM move saying, “He (Chandrababu Naidu) has done the right thing in saying he wouldn’t allow CBI in his state. The BJP can be ‘note changer’, but it’s not a game changer.”

Speaking to reporters, AP Deputy Chief Minister (Home) N China Rajappa had said, “The Andhra Pradesh government withdrew the general consent accorded to the CBI to conduct raids and carry out investigations in the state due to the recent allegations against the top officials of country’s premier investigation agency.”