Kohima: A fake certificate from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) acknowledging the alleged contribution of a Naga youth to the development of Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) technology has sparked controversy in Nagaland.
This issue came to light after a national media journalist flagged it on X, formerly Twitter.
The controversy traces back to a report by The Better India which claimed that Dr Belenso T Yimchunger, a Naga electrician’s son, “helped” develop ‘Pushpak’ RLV technology. The report stated that ISRO praised him for his significant contributions to the development of RLV technology.
Nagaland PHED minister Jacob Zhimomi also took to X saying, ” ???????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????? ???????????? ????????????????????. People like Dr. Belenso T. Yimchunger are the kinds of icons young Nagas should take inspiration from. From a remote corner of Nagaland, India has found a gem who will go on to accomplish greater things for the country in the near future. As his story gains traction, his obsession with science and technology will infuse renewed hope and enthusiasm for scientific temper in Naga kids. Thanks for highlighting his journey, @thebetterindia. @isro @MyGovNagaland“
Following this report, India Today NE and Mokokchung Times also covered the story. These reports referred to a fake letter addressed to Dr Belenso T. Yimchunger (soil scientist, GOI), Ram Das (JE Power, GOI), and Kumar (Electrical and Electronic student at IIT Delhi) from ISRO Chairman Dr S. Somanath dated March 24, 2024.
“It is with immense pleasure and gratitude that we acknowledge the impact of your collective efforts, culminating in the successful launch of the RLV on 22/03/24 at 07:10 hrs IST. This achievement stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation,” a section of the letter read.
The controversy began after Sidharth MP, a journalist with Wion, raised the issue on X. “Fake #news alert to #Indian #space #science community Belenso Yimchunger, youth from #Nagaland is fraudulently claiming that he helped #isro with RLV/Pushpak #tech and is using a fake letter(with glaring factual errors) I verified with #isro, they said it’s FAKE. Beware ” the journalist wrote.
In a subsequent tweet, the journalist questioned, “Errors in the fake/doctored letter: The test done in March 2024 is RLV LEX 02 This letter mentions “RLV LEX 20” Test done in March 2024 is an autonomous landing test This letter mentions “launch” Would #isro Chief’s office draft such a formal letter with multiple errors??”
To authenticate the letter, EastMojo sent a copy to the Chief Information Officer of ISRO. In response, Dr B. H. M. Darukesha, Scientist/Engineer-SG, Associate Director, DISM, Chief Information Officer, Dept of Space, confirmed that the certificate is fake.
When EastMojo reached out to Belenso to address the controversy, he said, “We were in the first stage of testing, but in the final stage, we were not there. Some journalists created a fake account and published the article without our knowledge, from there the controversy came out”.
Queried if the ISRO letter was received from ISRO through mail, Belenso informed that his friends from IIT received the letter and forwarded it to him. When EastMojo informed him about the findings regarding the fake certificate, Belenso claimed he had spoken with the department and resolved the issue.
Intriguingly, he acknowledged that some fake accounts had been created and mailed the certificate to them.
When asked how his association with ISRO began, Belenso said that the matter was “very confidential” and that he was “under some control”. He reiterated that the situation was “solved” and wanted the case to rest as he is now focusing on another project.
Once again, EastMojo contacted ISRO Chief Information Officer Dr B H M Darukesha to confirm Belenso’s association with ISRO and his claims in participating in the initial stage of the RLV project.
“I am not aware of the claim he has contributed. So I am not in a position to respond to you directly in a yes or no manner. It appears that he may not have been involved with this project. I could be wrong but this is my intuition or belief. If he can prove what he has contributed, then possibly, I can substantiate that claim,” Darukesha added.
While Belenso claimed he could not reveal how his association with ISRO began due to confidentiality, EastMojo asked Dr Darukesha if any confidentiality contracts are typically inked for associations with ISRO.
“No, I think he is lying,” Dr Darukesha responded.
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Very informative.
Lie after lie, no IIT student will make mistakes in silly silly stuff like LEX 20 etc. and This guy claimed to have work in first stage of pushpak omg what liar this electrician is. It takes a damn time and effort after doing b.tech even from IIT to get a space in ISRO. But this arts students for to work suddenly on RLV pushpak?.