New Delhi: As the Supreme Court prepares to hear the CBI director Alok Verma's petition today, the opposition grabs the opportunity to launch their scathing attack on the Centre by alleging that Verma was sent on a forced leave to cover up the Rafale scam allegations.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi is likely to lead a protest on Friday at 11 am outside the agency's headquarters in Delhi’s Lodhi road area. Gandhi also said that his party will be conducting protests outside all the CBI offices across the country. 

Also read: CBI vs CBI: Supreme Court to hear Alok Verma's petition challenging his ouster

"Tomorrow, outside CBI offices nationwide, the Congress party will protest the Prime Minister's (Narendra Modi) disgraceful attempt to prevent an investigation into the Rafale scam by removing the CBI Chief," said Gandhi, according to reports.
 
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley cleared that the decision to send Verma and Special Director Rakesh Asthana on leave was an interim order. The decision was taken to ensure a fair probe in the case.