New Delhi, Apr 4 (IANS): Saying he was a victim of witch hunting, the principal of Delhi University's Ramjas College is feeling vindicated after a court cleared his name in a fake admission racket.
"There has been witch hunting against me by my detractors, including certain media houses, and those involved in the fake admission racket," Rajendra Prasad told IANS.
"There have been several misleading media reports accusing me of indulging in corrupt practices without an iota of proof or substance," he added.
Prasad's name was mentioned in a chargesheet filed by Delhi Police on the basis of a statement given by an accused in the case, Naresh, who claimed he gave the principal Rs.80,000 and a bottle of scotch.
In the judgment dated March 20, the court found several irregularities in the accused's statements.
The court said it was Prasad who complained about fake admissions in a letter dated Sep 27, 2011. It added that while the complaint was received Oct 5, police registered a case only on Nov 15, 2011.
Prasad said fake admission rackets were operating in several colleges but he was targeted for blowing the whistle on the culprits.
"Is this justice? Is this the right precedent to set?" asked Prasad.
The court blasted the investigative agency and the prosecution for hurling "loose/baseless allegations" against Prasad while miserably failing to connect him with the racket.
"The investigating agency as well as the prosecution is not certain at all regarding the role and duties of the principal in the whole admission process," said Metropolitan Magistrate Devender Nain.
"There is absolutely no evidence collected by the prosecution to connect the principal, who was the complainant, with the commission of the offence," he added.
Prasad said it was irresponsible on the part of some media outlets to tarnish a reputation built over many years.
"Reputation is built over several years but some irresponsible news stories based on loose allegations can tarnish it easily," he said.
"There have been stories where people have quoted me without even talking to me."
Police filed 30 chargesheets in the admission scam in which over 36 students allegedly gained admission by using fake marksheets and through other dubious means. The accused have been summoned April 17.