Clarification

A Press Trust of India, Delhi, news report had appeared in this newspaper on March 27, 2002 under the heading ‘‘BJP Minister in dock for sex calls’’. Another news report had appeared on April 2, 2002 under the title ‘‘Dasgupta not done with BJP Minister, says funds misused.’’ The news reports referred to Shri Satya Brata Mookherjee, Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers. It is pointed out by Shri Mookherjee that there is no factual basis to the reports and it has caused him considerable mental anguish and embarrassment.

Both the PTI news reports and the other news report were only reports of allegations levelled against Shri Mookherjee by Shri Biplab Dasgupta, Rajya Sabha MP in a letter to the Prime Minister. The publication by this newspaper of the PTI and the other report is not to be taken as this newspaper’s acceptance or endorsement of any allegation made by Shri Dasgupta.

We are also aware of and acknowledge the fact that the respect which Shri Mookherjee has earned is widely recognised. This newspaper intends to take the issue of appropriate verification of this news report with PTI. We regret any distress which the said news items may have caused to Shri Mookherjee.

—Editor