CBI v. CBI: DSP Ajay Kumar Bassi approaches SC challenging transfer to Port Blair

After being caught in the crossfire of the tumult that has engulfed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), DSP Ajay Kumar Bassi has now filed an intervention application in the Alok Verma matter pending before the Supreme Court..Bassi has challenged a transfer order dated October 24, seeking to shunt him to Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands. This transfer, Bassi alleges in his IA, is vitiated by malafide, and constitutes interference in the fair and impartial investigation of cases he was handling..Specific reference is made to the matter relating to the FIR lodged against CBI Special Director Rakesh Asthana, which Bassi and his team was investigating..The IA was mentioned today before the Bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi by advocate Sunil Fernandes. Justice Gogoi said he would look into the IA and notify a date for listing it..In his IA, Bassi goes on to make serious allegations as to how attempts are being made to stifle the investigation into Asthana’s case..Pursuant to a complaint filed by Sathish Babu Sana, a complaint was filed against Asthana, DSP Devender Kumar, and two private persons by the names of Manoj Prasad and Somesh Prasad. After being entrusted with the investigation of the matter, Bassi recorded the statement of Sana under Sections 161 and 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, and arrested Devender Kumar and Manoj Prasad..Bassi makes note of WhatsApp messages and calls exchanged among the four, the transcripts of which are in the possession of the CBI. It is Bassi’s apprehension that these may not be placed on record, and may even be tampered with or destroyed..It is further stated that Devender Kumar, the Investigating Officer of the Moin Qureshi case, had falsely recorded a statement on September 26, and attributed the same to Sana. The statement makes insinuations against a Rajya Sabha member and CBI Director Alok Verma. On examination, it was found that Kumar had typed out the statement himself, in the computers of CBI Joint Director Sai Manohar and Rakesh Asthana..Bassi alleges that Sai Manohar, an officer hand-picked by Asthana, is advising and driving the investigation of the case, and is trying to frame the entire investigation team for doing their job honestly and sincerely..“…the manner of transfer indicates malafide intent and shows vindictiveness because the fact that the name of Shri Rakesh Asthana and Shri Sai Manohar were cropping up in the false statement recorded under Section 161 Cr. P.C. of Shri Sathish Babu Sana purportedly written on 26.09.2018 by DSP Devendra Kumar. The Applicant herein is being subjected to intimidation and veiled threats by the present Investigating Officer.”.Thus, Bassi has prayed that his transfer to Port Blair, while in the middle of the investigation, without any valid or cogent reason, be set aside. It is also prayed that the CBI be directed to place all evidence collected by Bassi and others before the Supreme Court in a sealed cover. Bassi has also prayed for a Special Investigative Team (SIT) to be constituted to conduct an impartial investigation into Asthana’s case.