Did NIPER sell patent to Windlas Biotech Limited for peanuts?

A recent news in India Today reports that NIPER recently sold a patent to a Gurgaon based Pharma company, Windlas Biotech Limited for peanuts, which can be accessed at http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/niper-patent-windlas-biotech-limited-pharma-sector/1/449347.html

The excerpts are as follows:

As per the report, NIPER director KK Bhutani denied the allegations and said his adversaries were levelling the accusations to malign his image. "Unscientific and negative criticism by disgruntled elements removed from the institute for various acts of omission and commission is not worth consideration. They will never speak nice about the institute and use every opportunity to malign it. I request you to have your own independent and impartial investigation before arriving at a conclusion," Bhutani said.

"You have raised some profit and loss-related questions but please understand NIPER is not a commercial organisation. Contribution of NIPER is to be measured in terms of producing scholars, scientists, managers and technologists besides publication, papers and consultancy assistance to the industry. You have raised issues pertaining to a period 10-15 years ago. I may inform you that I have been heading NIPER since January 1, 2010 and I have to dig out all old records, which have already been approved, audited and evaluated by statutory authorities. 

"One can estimate the size of the patent scam which may run into several hundred crores of rupees. The patent, acquired by spending public money, was not commercialized or improved knowingly to benefit private pharma companies. The modus operandi is simple. Share the research in the name of consultancy and let the company pocket crores," former NIPER scientist Parikshit Bansal said.

Disclaimer: Pharma Literati has not confirmed the report and does not confirm the authenticity of the report. This is for information of the readers and team Pharma Literati does not hold any responsibility for the accuracy or authenticity of the news item.