2G: SC asks CBI director Ranjit Sinha to stay out probe

In a huge blow to the CBI Director Ranjit Sinha, the Supreme Court on Thursday asked him to withdraw himself from overseeing the investigation into the 2G spectrum case.

Senior-most officer in the investigating team of the 2G scam will take over the role of CBI Director in the case, the apex court ruled.

Although the SC did not divulge much information, it said that prima facie it appeared that allegations against Ranjit Sinha meeting the accused in the 2G scam is "credible" and "acceptable". "We are not giving detailed, elaborate orders to protect the fair name of the institution and reputation of the CBI as it will damage the institution," said the SC bench.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has demanded Sinha to step down. Speaking to CNN-IBN, party leader Subramanian Swamy said, "CBI director should now step down." Former CBI chief DR Karthikyean reacted to the development saying that the credibility of the country's premier investigation agency should be kept impact. He too demanded Sinha's resignation.

The Prime Minister's Office too is disturbed with the charges against the CBI chief. Sources in the PMO said, "SC order on CBI chief serious in nature; we are waiting for the order."

Sinha is set to retire from office on December 2 but the Supreme Court directives are going to leave a scar on the CBI chief's credibility.

The Special Public Prosecutor had accused Sinha of interference in the investigation.