IB writes to Union Home Ministry against CBI on Ishrat case

Taking strong exception to the CBI's alleged "witch-hunt" against its officials in the Ishrat Jahan case, the Intelligence Bureau has lodged a strong protest with the Union Home Ministry saying the investigating agency's move would only hurt the morale of the officers of IB.

In a formal letter, IB Director Asif Ibrahim said CBI's move to prosecute its officials in the alleged fake encounter case in Gujarat, would be "disastrous for the morale of IB officers" and would harm the country's internal security.

Sources said Ibrahim wanted to put on record IB's displeasure over CBI's alleged attempt to frame IB officers the alleged encounter that took place nine years ago and wanted government action over it.

IB has been maintaining that its officials only provided intelligence inputs and had nothing to do with any alleged fake encounter.

Besides, it has also been maintaining that CBI does not have enough evidence to prosecute IB officers, including Kumar, in the alleged fake encounter case.

CBI has told a court in Ahmedabad that it would further investigate the role of four IB officials, including the Special Director of the IB Rajednra Kumar, in the alleged fake encounter case.

IB's letter, received by the just retired Union Home Secretary R K Singh, has been forwarded to the Prime Minister's Office for further action.

The ministry of personnel, which is the nodal ministry of CBI, falls under the direct jurisdiction of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.