Chip designer maven Avtar Saini killed in strange cycle accident

KOCHI: Avtar Saini (68), a world-renowned chip designer and former head of Intel India, died in a car accident in Mumbai. Siani who was cycling in the palm beach area of Navi Mumbai at 5:30 am was hit from behind by a carelessly speeding taxi. Saini was rushed to hospital by fellow commuters but couldn’t be saved.

Albeit wearing a helmet, Saini suffered grave injuries after the taxi driver Rishikesh Khade in a bid to escape after the crash unknowingly dragged Saini to some distance, who was caught in the bumper of the vehicle. Other riders and locals came after him caught the driver and handed him over to the police. A case was registered against Khade.

Saini joined Intel in 1982 with a master's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Minnesota, USA. He later turned out to be a microchip researcher with the company and played a key role in setting up Intel's research and development centre in India. He led the team that developed Intel's famous Pentium processor. Also participated in the development of the 386 and 486 processors. He was the Vice President of Intel India from 1982 to 2004. He holds seven patents in microprocessor design.

Saini is a native of Chembur, Maharashtra. Right after his wife's death three years ago, Saini has been living a solitary life. Saini was active in the local cycling club for ten years. The tragedy happened while he was cycling with other members of the club.