Maligned scientist gets clean chit from panel

Padmanabhan told The Indian Express that the journal did not analyse the researchers8217; raw data, but instead relied on image analysis of published figures. He said the committee planned to appeal to the journal to rescind the withdrawal.

Prof M K Bhan, DBT Secretary said that they had received a copy of the report and published it in the 8216;Current Science8217; journal June 10. 8220;We will take a decision on the issue within two-three weeks,8221; he said.

Meanwhile, India8217;s ethics watchdog, the New Delhi-based Society for Scientific Values, had charged the committee with 8220;possible complicity8221; in attempting to save the reputation of an award winning scientist.

8220;I once again want to reassure the scientific community that my committee did not take the investigation lightly, but put in all efforts to evaluate the truth on the basis of data available. It was also evident that even if some minor flaw had escaped the committee8217;s attention, the conclusions of the two papers would not in any way be affected,8221; Padmanabhan wrote in his exhaustive report.

8220;I was concerned with the career of bright young scientists and a host of students, but not at the expense of condoning a fraud,8221; he added.