National

"I Will Price My CBI Book At $1 Million"

Joginder Singh's sudden transfer has not dampened his spirits. He spoke to Charu Lata Joshi on life after CBI.

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"I Will Price My CBI Book At $1 Million"
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What is your reaction to being summarily transferred from the CBI?

I am always calm, cool and collected. I take things as they come.

What will you reveal in your new book on the CBI?

It will contain a lot of things which nobody knows about. I have been offered $60,000 but I am pegging my price at $1 million. But an important part of the contract with the publisher will be that it be released only after I retire from service. It will be very interesting.

Do you feel the government's decision is unfair?

In all fairness, all I can say is that it is the prerogative of the government to post whoever they want.

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It is felt that your transfer was politically motivated.

I can't say anything on this because I was not in India at that time.

Was there pressure on you in the Laloo Yadav case?

No. The Laloo case is being monitored by the Patna High Court.

But you took the decision to file a chargesheet?

In cases filed before the high court or the Supreme Court, the CBI director is wholly and solely responsible for ensuring a fair, honest and impartial investigation.

Was the decision not to press for Laloo's arrest politically motivated?

I cannot say anything. Effectively, since I was not in India, I ceased to be CBI director from June 21.

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There has been a rather strong public reaction to your transfer.

I am a civil servant, I merely carry out the government's orders. I don't know whether there will be any backlash. Our system is too strong. The courts are watching, the media is there, as is a vigilant Parliament.

You have been charged with hobnobbing with politicians.

In fact, even while socialising with colleagues, I used to check with my subordinates whether any cases were pending against them. But yes, when Deve Gowda was prime minister, I used to report to him, the minister of state for personnel and the home minister.

Since January there have been moves to tame you.

The kite flies against the wind not with the wind. All I can say that if any of my actions have hurt anybody, I am sorry. There's a job to be done and it will be done.

Did you overstep your limits in talking to the media?

I realised very early in my career that it is better to be transparent.

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