NEWS

A day after it emerged that the radioactive scrap that killed one and poisoned seven came from Delhi University, the central varsity got a showcause notice from the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board.The Board directed DU to stop nuclear radiation-related operations for two weeks — the time it has to reply to the notice. "If we aren't satisfied, we will take action that could include cancellation of license for practical research in radiation," said Board chairman SS Bajaj.DU vice-chancellor Deepak Pental offered an apology and assumed moral responsibility while also launching an inquiry. "Negligence is obvious but I can't penalise people unless the (auction) committee tells me how this happened," he said.Experts, however, said DU deserved punishment now. "It actions caused a death and changed the lives of a few irrevocably," said Ravi Agarwal, director of the NGO Toxics Link.