Even as the selection committee is scheduled to meet on January 24 to appoint the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) director, the interim director of the investigative agency – M Nageswara Rao – transferred as many as 20 officers.
In the order dated January 21, the premier probe agency transferred SK Nair, an officer who was conducting the investigation into multi-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam, involving fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi of the Gitanjali group.
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Interestingly, Mehul Choksi surrendered his Indian passport in Antigua earlier this week.
The list also includes SP Vivek Priyadarshi, who was handling ACB Delhi unit probing the 2G spectrum scam.
The transfer order, however, states that all the officials who have been directed to supervise, investigate or inquire into any case or matter by a court, shall continue to do.
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Nagesahwar Rao’s appointment as the CBI interim director has been challenged by advocate Prashant Bhushan in the apex court. The CJI has recused from hearing the case. The judicature is likely to hear the case on January 24.
(With ANI inputs)
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