Asthana's promotion runs into controversy

The promotion of senior IPS officer Rakesh Asthana, perceived to be close to the Narendra Modi government, has run into a controversy as it came even after some members of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC)-led panel raised objections.

The Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) headed by Prime Minister Modi cleared Asthana’s promotion, a 1984-batch officer of Gujarat cadre, as CBI special director and seven others.

The order was issued on Sunday late night.

Asthana, currently CBI additional director, is handling hotel corruption case involving Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad and other cases.

A selection panel, with the chief vigilance commissioner, two vigilance commissioners, the home secretary, the DoPT secretary and the CBI director, examines proposals for appointment and promotion in the CBI.

The government’s action has now been questioned by some quarters as there were objections at a meeting on Saturday to him being promoted. The CVC on Saturday took no decision on Asthana’s case.

The Centre reportedly had plans to make Asthana the chief of CBI, but following objections, it was shelved. He was given additional charge of CBI director in December last year when the then chief Anil Sinha retired.

He handed over the charge to Alok Kumar Verma when his appointment was cleared by the government in January this year.

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