Sada Kant, a 1983 batch IAS officer, who has been serving the MHA as Joint Secretary (Border Management) has been sent back to the parent cadre before completion of his five year Central deputation after CBI sought sanction for his questioning.

A Home Ministry spokesperson said there was an allegation against Kant under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Pending enquiry by the CBI, it was felt appropriate that he be repatriated to his cadre. Accordingly, he was repatriated on May 20.

Attempt to reach Kant proved futile as his official mobile number was out of order and an attendant at his residence said that he was out of Delhi and cannot be contacted.

CBI has accused Kant of favouring a private construction firm in a project being undertaken by National Project Construction Corporation.

"The MHA gave the sanction to the CBI for questioning the joint secretary while sending him back to his parent cadre," a source said.

Kant has been in Central deputation since 2007 and supposed to complete the term in 2012.

Earlier, two IAS officer working with the Home Ministry were arrested for different charges. O Ravi, a Joint Secretary, was arrested on corruption charges while Ravi Inder Singh, a director, was arrested for leaking sensitive information to a telecom company.