New Delhi: Seeking a "just and fair" probe into the expose on defence deals, Tehelka CEO Tarun Tejpal today (Oct 4, 2004) reacted cautiously to the Centre's decision to entrust the probe to CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) while scrapping Justice Phukan Commission inquiring into the bribery allegations.

However, he was severe in his criticism of the Commission saying it was "not interested in finding the truth".

Reacting to the Centre's decision, Tejpal said, "We have not participated in the proceedings before the Phukan Commission as it was not interested in finding the truth.

"For three and half years the portal and its journalists were targeted by the NDA (National Democratic Alliance) Government for exposing corruption," he said asserting that the earlier Government was "protecting the corrupt politicians".

Tehelka, which had participated in the proceedings for 19 months before the Commission when it was headed by Justice K Venkataswamy till he resigned under controversial circumstances, was non-committal about the Government's decision to entrust the probe to CBI.

"Only time can tell whether the probe (by CBI) will be just and fair," Tejpal said and added, "Our stand had been consistent through out - we wanted to have a fair inquiry from the day one."