The Prime Minister’s Office has intervened in the ongoing battle at the Central Bureau of Investigation. Late last night, a circular was issued stating that CBI director Alok Verma and special director Rakesh Asthana have both been sent on leave. M Nageshwar Rao has taken over as the interim director.

According to media reports, the offices of Asthana and Verma have been sealed, and raids are being conducted at the CBI building. The 10th and 11th floors are being searched.

Last week, the CBI had filed an FIR naming Rakesh Asthana for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 2 crore. Asthana approached the Delhi High Court yesterday to quash the FIR, and the court told the CBI to maintain “status quo” until Monday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also summoned both Asthana and Alok Verma yesterday before the circular was released.

Official orders were also released announcing the transfer of several CBI officials.