Cong against Centre�s decision to send CBI boss on leave, stages protest

GUWAHATI, Oct 26 - Opposition Congress today staged a demonstration against the decision of the Central government to send CBI Director Alok Verma on leave.

The demonstration was held outside the CBI's regional office at Betkuchi here. It was attended by former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Ripun Bora, leader of Opposition in the Assam Legislative Assembly Debabrata Saikia, former minister Ajanta Neog and other senior party leaders.

Speaking on the occasion, Gogoi said the Narendra Modi-led government has eroded the autonomy and authority of the CBI and added that the kind of situation witnessed in the premier central investigation agency will have serious repercussions across the country.

Bora, in his speech, demanded that the Centre should immediately rescind its decision to send Verma on enforced leave and reinstate him.

The protesters shouted slogans against the government. There was a scuffle between the Congress party workers and the police.

APCC also sent a memorandum to President Ram Nath Kovind through the Deputy Commissioner of Kamrup (Metro), demanding the reinstatement of Verma.

Calling for protecting the functional autonomy of the CBI, the memorandum stated that Prime Minister Modi should �apologise with folded hands for his arbitrary, illegal, malafide and unconstitutional action of sending the CBI Director Alok Verma on leave/removal, which is contrary to the provision of law�.