The high-powered committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday removed CBI director Alok Verma, who was reinstated by a Supreme Court order after he was sent on forced leave by the government, said sources to CNN-News 18.

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Verma, whose service tenure ends on January 31, 2019 has now been given the charge of director general fire service, civil defence and home guards and additional director M Nageshwar Rao has given charge of CBI chief till appointment of new director.

The selection panel, consisting of PM Modi, Justice Sikri, Mallikarjun Kharge, in a 2:1 decision decided against the Verma's continuance in the office, said people familiar with the matter to CNN-News 18.

The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) report against Verma sealed his fate as the high-powered committee decided to sack him on corruption charges.

Verma, who had returned from a forced leave after the Supreme Court reinstated him, ordered the transfer of five officers on Thursday, a day after he undid the transfer of 10 officials.

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court had set aside a government order that sent Verma on forced leave and replaced him with an interim CBI director. Though the court reinstated him, it barred him from taking any major policy decision until a high-powered selection committee featuring the PM, a chief justice of India nominee and the leader of the largest opposition party decide on his status.

Verma's decisions since his return suggested that he was prepared to take the government head on, and skate on the argument that the transfers do not violate the Supreme Court's restrictions.

First Published:Jan 10, 2019 7:25 PM IST