In an unprecedented move by the Central government, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Director Alok Verma and Special Director Rakesh Asthana were sent on leave till further notice and their offices were sealed on Wednesday. Joint Director M Nageshwar Rao, a 1986 batch officer, took charge as the interim chief of the investigaing agency with immediate effect.

He will “look after duties and functions of director CBI and shall take over the duties and functions with immediate effect,” said a government order put out on Tuesday night.

The order followed a recommendation by Chief Vigilance Commissioner that the CBI’s warring top two be sent on compulsory wait, as per reports in NDTV. According to sources, the CBI building was sealed and neither staff nor outsiders were being allowed.