'No IIT in Ranchi': Centre fact-checks Congress's Sam Pitroda
What's the story
The Ministry of Education has denied Congress party leader Sam Pitroda's allegations of a hacking incident at "IIT Ranchi."
Pitroda, the chairperson of the Indian Overseas Congress, alleged in a webcast that his virtual session with students was interrupted by hackers playing "pornographic content."
The ministry dismissed the claims as "baseless" and a sign of "ignorance," adding that there is no Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Ranchi.
Statement clarification
Ministry of Education refutes Pitroda's hacking claims
In a post on X, the ministry issued a firm clarification, saying, "It has come to the notice that Shri Sam Pitroda shared a video on his X handle on 22nd February 2025, claiming he was speaking at IIT Ranchi when the event was disrupted due to hacking."
"It is hereby clarified that there is no IIT in Ranchi. Therefore, the statement made in that video is not only baseless but also reeks of ignorance," it said.
Event denial
IIIT Ranchi denies hosting Pitroda
The ministry noted that Ranchi has an Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT); however, it said that Pitroda had not been invited to any event by the institute.
"IIIT Ranchi has confirmed that Shri Sam Pitroda has not been invited by the institute to any conference or seminar, physically or virtually," it added.
Legal warning
Ministry warns of legal consequences for damaging reputation
The ministry slammed Pitroda for trying to malign the IIT's image. It stressed the institution's legacy of churning out bright minds on the basis of merit and hard work.
The ministry warned of legal action for efforts to defame India's top educational institutions.
"The Ministry of Education condemns the statement and reiterates that any such attempt to malign the image of the premier institution will face legal repercussions," it said.