Ex-bureaucrat E.A.S. Sarma seeks judicial probe into starlink deal, cites security, legal concerns
New Delhi: Former Union Secretary E.A.S. Sarma has called for an independent judicial inquiry into the government’s decision to assign satellite spectrum directly to Elon Musk’s Starlink, raising concerns over national security, transparency, and financial loss to the public exchequer.
In a letter dated June 9, 2025, addressed to Cabinet Secretary T.V. Somanathan, Sarma reiterated that the move violates the Supreme Court’s judgment in the 2G spectrum case, and claimed that the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) made “imprudent concessions” to Starlink. He accused the government of bypassing standard procedures and enabling a “near-monopoly” in satellite services to a foreign company allegedly aligned with the US defence establishment.
Sarma, a 1965 batch IAS officer, had raised similar objections in letters dating back to November 2024. He cited national interest and strategic risks, urging that spectrum be reserved for Indian agencies such as ISRO, defence forces, and strategic public sector enterprises. He expressed concern that Starlink had been granted exemptions from standard security conditions, especially regarding installation near international borders.
In earlier communications, Sarma also flagged the risk of cartelisation, alleging that Starlink had formed an arrangement with domestic telecom operators Jio and Airtel, which could harm competition and consumer interests. He compared the situation to the 2G spectrum allocation, describing it as potentially “far worse.”
In his latest letter, Sarma referred to a Washington Post report detailing security lapses associated with Starlink terminals installed near sensitive locations in the United States, including the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington D.C. The report cited concerns from White House IT staff and a House Oversight Committee member about Starlink’s potential to bypass secure networks.
Sarma stated that these revelations should prompt the Indian government to reassess its engagement with Starlink. He urged a judicial probe into whether the spectrum assignment violated Supreme Court guidelines, altered licence conditions to benefit Starlink, and caused a financial loss by not opting for a transparent auction.
Concluding his letter, Sarma warned that continued inaction would indicate a lack of accountability. He added that if the government fails to respond, he may be compelled to seek judicial intervention.
The Centre has not yet issued a public response to Sarma’s latest allegations.
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NCW chief condemns rape-murder of 4-year-old girl in Pune, calls for swift action
New Delhi (PTI): National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has condemned the alleged rape and murder of a four-year-old girl in Maharashtra's Pune, calling it "deeply distressing" and a "blot on humanity".
The girl was allegedly raped and killed by a 65-year-old labourer, who has a criminal record, in Bhor tehsil of Pune on Friday. The accused allegedly lured the child to a cattle enclosure on the pretext of giving her food. After raping her, he killed her by hitting her with a stone, according to police.
The accused has been arrested.
In a post on X on Saturday, Rahatkar said the incident in the Nasrapur area in Pune was heartbreaking and has shaken society.
"The brutal torture and murder of a four-year-old innocent girl in Nasrapur (Bhor, Pune) is deeply painful, heartbreaking, and shocking. It is a blot on humanity," she said.
She said Pune Rural police has arrested the accused and noted that Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar have assured strict action in the case.
Rahatkar said the NCW has taken cognisance of the matter and written to the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), requesting the body to ensure necessary and prompt action.
It has also been recommended that the case be pursued under stringent provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and be closely monitored from the filing of the chargesheet to proceedings in a fast-track special court to ensure time-bound justice, she added.
Ensuring justice for the victim and stringent punishment for the accused is a collective responsibility, the NCW chairperson underlined.
In a post on X, the NCW said it has taken suo motu cognisance of the extremely "heinous" incident.
"This heinous crime causes profound pain and outrage, and it highlights serious concerns regarding the safety of young girls," it said.
Strongly condemning this grave "inhuman act", the NCW said such crimes constitute a serious violation of children's rights and raise questions about society's security system.
