CBI chief’s selection expedited

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, January 14

After deciding to unceremoniously ease out former CBI Director Alok Verma, the government appears to have expedited the process to shortlist names of three probables for the coveted post. The list will then be placed before the Prime Minister-led selection panel.

Sources indicated that Mumbai Police Commissioner Subodh Kumar Jaiswal, UP Police chief OP Singh and DG NIA YC Modi have emerged frontrunners for top job in the agency. Names of 17 IPS officers were forwarded to the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to prepare a list of three probables. It is learnt the authorities at present are working on five names. The other two among the frontrunners include Kerala Police Chief Loknath Behera (1985-batch IPS officer) and Special Secretary (Internal Security) Rina Mitra of 1983-batch.

Behera’s long stint in the CBI as SP and DIG goes in his favour. He had handled several crucial cases, including Purulia arms drop and the Mumbai serial blasts. Mitra also has a long experience of working in the anti-corruption branches of the agency.

Sources, however, indicated that Jaiswal (1985-batch), Singh (1983-batch) and Modi (1984-batch) have an edge over the other two, as experience in investigating anti-corruption cases, prior experience of working in the CBI, handling vigilance matters in cadre and integrity would count more than anything else.

Modi, before being shifted to the NIA, had worked in the CBI as Special Director and Singh has a long experience of working in the CBI’s anti-corruption branches.