CBI Chief Alok Verma defended the filing of FIR against Special CBI Director Rakesh Asthana and contended that the "serious allegations of corruption and extortion" against his deputy need to be thoroughly probed.

Opposing Asthana's plea in the Delhi High Court seeking quashing of the FIR against him, Verma said the petition was not maintainable and misconceived and claimed that it was only aimed at "maligning" his (Verma) image.