Seeking a 'just and fair' probe into the expose on defence deals, Tehelka CEO Tarun Tejpal on Monday reacted cautiously to the Centre's decision to scrap the Justice Phukan Commission inquiring into bribery allegations and entrust the probe to the Central Bureau of Investigation.

However, he was severe in his criticism of the commission.

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"We did not participate 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 targetted by the National Democratic Alliance government for exposing corruption," Tejpal told PTI asserting that the NDA was 'protecting corrupt politicians'.

Tehelka had participated in the proceedings of the commission for 19 months, when Justice K Venkataswami was heading it, till he resigned under controversial circumstances.

"Only time can tell whether the probe (by CBI) will be just and fair," Tejpal said.

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