AK Bassi, who was investigating the corruption charges against Rakesh Asthana, was transferred to Port Blair "in public interest" in an order signed by interim CBI chief Nageswar Rao on October 24
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday asked CBI officer AK Bassi to live in the Andamans for a few days before the court takes a call on the CBI infighting.
In an overnight shake-up, Bassi, who was heading the probe in bribery allegations against Special Director Rakesh Asthana, was abruptly transferred to the Andamans on October 24 and posted as Deputy SP ACB Port Blair.
Bassi had told the court he had “incriminating evidence” related to the case and asked for a SIT probe against the officer.
When on Friday, Bassi asked Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi to consider his plea, Gogoi asked his lawyer where was he transferred. When told it was Port Blair, the Chief Justice said: "Nice place, stay for a bit."
Also read: CBI vs CBI: Supreme Court says Alok Verma would get CVC report copy
The court said it would decide later on applications filed by Bassi as well as by Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, who had questioned the Centre's decision to send CBI director Alok Verma on forced leave.
After Alok Verma was sent on compulsory leave, M Nageswar Rao, who took over as temporary chief the same night (October 23), signed off on the transfer of about a dozen officers including Bassi.
The Central Vigilance Commission has submitted in the Supreme Court. On Friday, the apex court agreed that to share the CVC report with CBI chief Verma would get a copy of the report on corruption allegations against him. Verma can file a reply in a sealed cover by Monday. The next hearing will be held on November 20.
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