Defending himself and the reputation of St. Stephen’s College, principal Valson Thampu on Tuesday said he was completely committed to getting justice for the victim and that he is being “framed” in the issue.
“I am being chased like an animal in this entire controversy. I appeal to people to avoid character assassination as the matter is sub judice,” Mr. Thampu said during a press conference on Tuesday.
Mr. Thampu claimed his lawyer and former judge Manmohan Sarin had told him that long before attempts are made to trap him in this case he should report the matter to the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC). Mr. Thampu had earlier claimed that the complainant was being used against him and was being guided by some people with mala fide intentions to act against him. Though he did not name any specific person, he referred to the Old Stephanians Association, an alumni group not recognised by the college, as one of the elements who he alleged are after him.
“I have done my best in the capacity of a principal... but at the end of the day I am a human. I have a wife and two daughters who also live in society. Since the matter is sub judice, I appeal all the elements concerned that this constant character assassination of mine as well as the college should be avoided.”
Reiterating his demand for a CBI enquiry into the issue, he said: “I want a comprehensive and unprejudiced enquiry to be conducted, and the truth to be revealed. I also welcome the HRD Ministry and UGC for their intervention into the proceedings of ICC.”
Meanwhile, activist Swami Agnivesh and members of the Delhi Minorities Association came out in Mr. Thampu’s support saying a “mala fide campaign” was being run against him. Swami Agnivesh said: “An entire lobby is working against him, including the alumni association. The media trial of the issue is a wrong thing to be done. The matter is before court; let it be taken care of there.”
Students, teachers and women rights organisations had on Monday staged a protest outside college demanding Mr. Thampu’s resignation for allegedly shielding the accused.
