2G Scam: Awasthy to oversee CBI probe

NEW DELHI: HC Awasthy, a 1985-batch IPS officer from Uttar Pradesh, currently on deputation with the CBI, is set to replace YP Singh as the joint director in charge of the supervision of the crucial 2G spectrum allocation and CWG scams.

The notification appointing Awasthy as the joint director of CBI's anti-corruption bureau (Delhi zone), which is probing the politically-crucial 2G and CWG scams, is likely to be issued soon.

Awasthy had been on a 10-month study leave. He had rejoined duty last week after completing his training. Singh, who had been supervising the two probes, sought voluntary retirement for joining the International Cricket Council's anti-corruption and security unit (ACSU). He's serving the customary three-month notice, which ends next month.

Like YP Singh, who is part of the 1981 batch of IPS officers, Awasthy too is from the UP cadre.

YP Singh's decision to resign from service, which became public in end-February, had created a stir, with questions being raised about its timing. It came in the middle of the investigations in the two cases, which have rocked the UPA government.

The move became public just five weeks ahead of the March 31 deadline set by the SC for the CBI to file its first chargesheet in the 2G spectrum allocation scam. The chargesheet was eventually filed on April 2, after the apex court agreed to the agency's request to grant it two more days.

CBI had been taken aback by YP Singh's decision to leave service, but was reconciled to his plans. `"If somebody wants to leave service, we can't stop him,'' was CBI director AP Singh's reaction when asked about the move. The CBI director had, at the same time, made it clear that YP Singh's decision to quit his job would have no impact on the 2G probe, insisting on the 'continuity' theme. He had maintained that the agency had many officers in its ranks to replace YP Singh.