The Indian Council of Agriculture Research has begun a formal investigation against one of its top researchers. The probe covers various allegations including false claims he made about a patent application relating to genetically modified brinjal. The scientist, Dr K.C. Bansal, claimed to have filed three patents for a novel gene discovery, including one on transgenic brinjal in 2007, based on which he was given the Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Award by the council for 2007-2008. Investigations revealed that while two applications had been filed, no application relating to Bt brinjal patent had been filed till July 16, 2009 when he was given the award.