By Mumtaz Alam, Muslim Mirror,
New Delhi, May 7: Defence Minister AK Antony has said the reinstatement of Aijaz Ahmed Mirza, terminated Junior Research Fellow of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), will be considered after confirmation of his innocence from investigating agency or court. The minister gave the assurance to Lok Sabha on 6th May.
“No Scientist of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has been allegedly involved in terror plot. However, services of Shri Aijaz Ahmed Mirza who was holding the post of Junior Research Fellow (JRF) in the Centre for Air Borne Systems (CABS) at Bengaluru, got terminated on 12th February 2013 due to prolonged absence from his duty from 30th August 2012 and also arrest by the Police for his alleged involvement in terror plot. Shri Aijaz Ahmed Mirza was appointed as JRF on short term basis for a period of two years with effect from 9th January 2012. He was not a regular scientist of DRDO and not assigned any sensitive / classified job,” said the minister in a written reply to Gurudas Dasgupta and other MPs in Lok Sabha on Monday.
He, however, he made it clear that the reinstatement of Mirza will considered after clearance from NIA or court.
“National Investigation Agency (NIA) Special Court, Bengaluru has granted him bail on 5th March 2013. Further investigation is being continued by the investigating agency. Re¬instatement of Shri Aijaz Ahmed Mirza can be considered after getting confirmation of his innocence from Investigation Agency / Court,” said Antony.
On 2nd March, Muslim Mirror broke the story about Mirza’s termination from DRDO. The story was later captured by national English dailies and Urdu press. Roznama Sahara had published the story on the front page of all its editions giving full credit tot Muslim Mirror.