Nair, 3 other scientists indicted for Antrix-Devas deal

The high level panel, whose probe report on Antrix-Devas deal led to the controversial ban of ISRO chief G Madhavan Nair and three other space scientists from holding any government posts, indicted them for "serious" administrative and procedural lapses.

Nair on his part picked holes in the report, saying it was one-sided with "inconsistencies and inaccuracies" and attacked Department of Space(DoS) headed by his successor K Radhakrishnan for "cowardice" in releasing only "convenient portions".

The report prepared by a five-member committee headed by Pratyush Sinha, former Chief Vigilance Commissioner, was made public last night. Antrix is the commercial arm of ISRO and Devas is a private firm and the controversial deal has since been annulled.

It said Antrix-Devas deal lacked transparency and recommended that action needs to be taken against Nair and fellow senior space scientists A Bhaskaranarayana, K R Sridhara Murthi and K N Shankara all of whom have retired.

The report said the terms of Antrix-Devas contract "were heavily loaded in favour of Devas".

The team, which was set up to examine the deal and identify the acts of omission and commission by government officials, said "...there have not only been serious administrative and procedural lapses but also suggestion of collusive behaviour on the part of certain individuals and accordingly, responsibilities have to be fixed for taking action".

"It is very clear that there have been serious lapses of judgement on the part of a number of officials," the report said.

The Pratyush Sinha committee, set up on May 31 last year to examine the deal and identify the acts of omission and commission by government officials, said choosing Devas for the deal "seems to be lacking in transparency and due diligence".

It said "the approval process (for the deal) was riddled with incomplete and inaccurate information given to the Union Cabinet and the Space Commission".