Yechury demands clarification from govt. over DRDO chief's removal

Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Sitaram Yechury on Wednesday sought a clarification from the central government over the abrupt removal of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) chief Avinash Chander.

"The government is saying that they have done this for the betterment of DRDO, I feel that there is something fishy. DRDO plays a big role in strengthening India's internal and border security and if such things happen with DRDO, then it is worrisome. The government must give a clarification about this and tell the nation the reason behind such a move," Yechury told ANI here.

Earlier, the government removed DRDO Director General Avinash Chander from his post, 15 months before his contract was to end.

The Appointments Committee of Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi "approved the termination" of the contract of Avinash Chander with effect from January 31, an official notification said.

Chander was Secretary, Defence Research and Development-cum-Director General, DRDO and Scientific Advisor to the Defence Minister. He had retired on November 30 last year after he turned 64, but was given a contract for 18 months till May 31 next year.