Midnight 'Coup': CBI Chief Sent On Leave

In a midnight strike, the government swooped in and removed CBI Director Alok Verma. This comes after a very public battle the Director has had with his Number 2 Special Director Rakesh Asthana, a man who is known for his proximity to the Prime Minister and Amit Shah. The order to send Mr Verma on leave came around 1am and at 1:45 am the interim CBI chief Nageswar Rao was escorted by police to the CBI HQ in Delhi. Alok Verma in turn has moved the Supreme Court against the government move. His petition will be heard on Friday. The Opposition has drawn a Rafale link with Rahul Gandhi saying that CBI chief was sent on leave because he was "collecting papers of the Rafale scam." The government has rubbished Opposition allegations. The CVC meanwhile took on Alok Verma saying that he has not been cooperating.