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CBI director Alok Verma case: Acted to save CBI’s reputation, Centre tells Supreme Court

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cbi director alok verma case

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Claiming that the Centre had not violated any law in divesting CBI Director Alok Verma of his powers and sending him on leave, the Centre told the Supreme Court today (Wednesday, Dec 5) that it stepped in to save the agency’s reputation in view of extraordinary situation where the two top officers were “fighting like cats”.

Attorney General (AG) KK Venugopal was arguing on behalf of the Central government before the Supreme Court bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices SK Kaul and KM Joseph which resumed hearing on Verma’s plea challenging Centre’s decision of Oct 24 to divest him of duties and sending him on leave.

The bench had, on Nov 29, heard submissions from lawyers of parties who have challenged the Centre’s decision, including senior advocate Fali Nariman (for Alok Verma), and posted the case for further submissions on Wednesday (December 5).

Presenting the Centre’s case, the AG said that the spat between the CBI director and his deputy, special director Rakesh Asthana was tarnishing the reputation of the country’s premier investigation agency.

It became essential for the government to step in when the two top officers of the CBI were “fighting like cats”, he said. “Government of India was watching with amazement as to what the top officers were doing, they were fighting like cats,” news agency PTI quoted him as saying.

“Dispute between CBI Director and Special Director was pulling down integrity and respect of the premier institution..Our main aim is to see that confidence of the public in this premiere institution (CBI) is restored,” he told the bench.

The apex court on Nov 29 had said it would first consider whether the government has the power to divest the CBI director of his duties under whatever circumstances or whether the selection committee headed by the Prime Minister should have been approached before moving against Verma on corruption allegations against him.

The court had made it clear that for now it was not going into the allegations and counter-allegations involving Verma and CBI’s No.2 officer Asthana, both of whom have been stripped of their powers and sent on leave following their bitter feud.

Today, KK Venugopal reiterated his assertions made during the last hearing in the case, that the Centre had not violated any law while sending Verma on leave.

During the last date of hearing, Venugopal had proceeded on the premise that the selection committee for appointing the CBI director was mandated to recommend names for the post of the agency’s chief or transferring him but it was the Centre that was the final appointing authority.

Venugopal argued that the central government had taken the decision to send Verma on leave after “due application of mind” and concluding that “a situation had arisen wherein the CBI director had to be divested of his responsibilities.”

The AG, however, insisted that by not referring the matter to the CBI director’s selection committee before acting against Verma, the Centre had not erred because the selection panel must be asked to carry out an inquiry only if the government wishes to transfer the CBI chief. He said, in Verma’s case, there was no transfer and that the petitioner continued to enjoy the perks of office.

Submitting that the Centre’s powers of superintendence, in its role as the appointing authority of the CBI director, Venugopal concluded his arguments.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), picked up from where his senior law officer left off. Mehta emphasized on the CVC’s power of superintendence over the CBI director and said that the vigilance panel is mandated to oversee CBI cases registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act. He added that the Centre too was free to ask the CVC to initiate investigations against CBI officials if needed.

The bench posted the matter for next hearing on Thursday, December 6. Verma’s two-year tenure ends on January 31.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

India News

Abhishek Banerjee says will not bow to BJP after nearly 11 hours of ED questioning

After spending nearly 11 hours before the Enforcement Directorate, TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee said he would not bow to the BJP and accused the ruling party of using investigative agencies for political purposes.

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Abhishek Banerjee

Trinamool Congress leader and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday said he would not bow to the BJP after spending nearly 11 hours being questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an ongoing investigation.

Speaking after the questioning, Banerjee alleged that central agencies were being used to target opposition leaders and asserted that he would continue his political fight despite what he described as sustained pressure.

The TMC leader has repeatedly maintained that investigations involving him are politically motivated, a charge he has made on several previous occasions while appearing before central agencies.

His appearance before the ED comes amid a period of heightened political activity and multiple investigations involving leaders in West Bengal. Recent days have also seen Banerjee face summons and questioning in separate matters by state investigative agencies.

After leaving the ED office, Banerjee reiterated that he would not be intimidated and said he remained committed to his political responsibilities. He also accused the BJP of attempting to weaken opposition parties through investigative action, an allegation that the BJP has rejected in the past.

The Enforcement Directorate has not publicly commented on Banerjee’s remarks. The investigation related to the questioning remains ongoing.

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India News

DMK attacks Rahul Gandhi, accuses him of weakening opposition unity

DMK has intensified its criticism of Rahul Gandhi, alleging that the Congress leader’s actions have weakened opposition unity and strained relations within the INDIA bloc.

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The war of words between the DMK and Congress has intensified, with the DMK launching a strong attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and accusing him of contributing to divisions within the opposition alliance. The criticism comes amid strained ties between the two parties following their political split in Tamil Nadu.

According to the DMK, Rahul Gandhi’s political approach has weakened unity among opposition parties. The party’s IT wing mocked the Congress leader on social media, while an editorial published in the DMK’s official mouthpiece Murasoli questioned his recent remarks on opposition solidarity.

DMK questions Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on opposition unity

In its editorial, Murasoli argued that Rahul Gandhi was speaking about opposition unity despite, according to the DMK, contributing to disagreements among alliance partners in several states. The publication cited criticism directed at Congress by various opposition parties and suggested that the party’s actions had often created tensions within the INDIA bloc.

The editorial also referred to past political disputes involving Congress and Left parties, particularly in Kerala, claiming such episodes had raised concerns among opposition allies about Congress’s approach toward its partners.

Tamil Nadu political fallout adds to tensions

The attack comes after a major political realignment in Tamil Nadu. Following the 2026 Assembly elections, Congress ended its alliance with the DMK and joined the government led by Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The move left the DMK in the opposition and significantly altered the political equation between the two former allies.

The DMK has alleged that Congress benefited from the alliance during the election and later abandoned its partner. The party’s editorial questioned whether assurances from Congress leadership would be trusted by alliance partners after the developments in Tamil Nadu.

Congress rejects allegations

Congress has not issued a detailed official response to the editorial, but party sources have rejected the allegations. According to the party, its decisions in Tamil Nadu were made in line with the mandate delivered by voters and were not intended to undermine either the DMK or the broader opposition alliance.

The latest exchange highlights growing strains between two key opposition parties even as leaders continue to stress cooperation on national issues. Just days earlier, Rahul Gandhi had said that the DMK remained aligned with the opposition on defending the “idea of India” despite political differences.

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Entertainment

Kumkum Bhagya actor Sanchita Ugale dies by suicide near Mumbai at 22

Television actor Sanchita Ugale, known for Kumkum Bhagya and Wagle Ki Duniya, died by suicide at her residence near Mumbai. Police have launched an investigation.

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Sanchita Ugale

Television actor Sanchita Ugale, known for her appearances in Kumkum Bhagya, Wagle Ki Duniya and Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi, died by suicide at her residence in Nalasopara East near Mumbai on June 14. She was 22.

According to police officials, the incident took place at her home in Achole village, Nalasopara East. Authorities said Ugale had locked herself inside her bedroom and was later found hanging from a ceiling fan. Family members and local residents rushed her to a hospital, where doctors declared her dead.

Police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. Officials said inquiries are underway and the exact reason behind the incident has not yet been established.

Career across television, OTT and films

Ugale had built a growing presence in the entertainment industry through television, streaming projects and films. Apart from Kumkum Bhagya and Wagle Ki Duniya, she played a lead role in Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi. She also appeared in OTT projects such as Crime Aaj Kal and Silence 2.

The actor was also associated with the film Chhaava, which contributed to her growing recognition among audiences.

Last social media post draws attention

Following news of her death, social media users shared and commented on Ugale’s final Instagram post, which had been uploaded hours before the incident. The post showed the actor in traditional attire lip-syncing to a classic Bollywood song. Fans expressed shock and grief after learning of her death.

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