Avinash Chander silent on sudden termination as DRDO chief

Avinash Chander on Wednesday refused to comment on Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government's decision to abruptly remove him as the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) chief.

The government's decision has come 15 months before Chander's 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- DRDO Director General, 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.