Former TU Professor Dr. Kedarnath Ghimire Denies Allegations in Ratopati Report

Kathmandu. Former Professor of Tribhuvan University, Central Department of Chemistry, Dr. Kedarnath Ghimire has sent a rebuttal, stating that his serious attention has been drawn to the news published on ratopati.com.np titled 'Tribhuvan University Vice-Chancellor's Roster in Controversy: Includes Suspects of Intellectual Theft to Foreign Nationals'.

Dr. Ghimire has clarified that the allegations against him have not been legally proven and that the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority has already concluded the matter due to insufficient evidence, and that an attempt is being made to tarnish his character by raising these issues.

Ghimire's Rebuttal and Clarification is as follows:

Dear Editor,
Ratopati.com.np, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Subject: Rebuttal and Clarification.

Sir/Madam,

My serious attention has been drawn to the one-sided, incomplete, and factually unsubstantiated content published in your media outlet under the title 'Tribhuvan University Vice-Chancellor's Roster in Controversy: Includes Suspects of Intellectual Theft to Foreign Nationals', which is directly related to my name and reputation.

The news has presented me as a person 'convicted of intellectual theft', 'blacklisted', and 'guilty of academic dishonesty'. Such allegations are not legally or factually proven at present. Although complaints and questions have been raised in various bodies regarding the related matter in the past, it has not been established as the final legal truth.

Specifically, in a situation where a complaint was filed with the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority regarding the same matter, the fact that the commission, after investigation and necessary examination, informed the relevant bodies that the allegations could not be substantiated with further evidence, is on record. Therefore, portraying an individual not convicted by the commission as guilty through public media is contrary to the principles of natural justice and journalistic ethics.

Similarly, the conclusive expressions used in the news such as 'suspect of intellectual theft', 'blacklisted', 'severely morally degraded' have unnecessarily harmed my long academic, intellectual, and research contributions. It is not just to portray any person as guilty until proven guilty by a competent court or body.

I strongly object to the publication of material that tarnishes my character based on unverified and controversial interpretations, disregarding my decades of contribution, research, publications, and leadership experience in Tribhuvan University and national and international academic fields.

Therefore, I humbly request your media outlet to study all the evidence available with me, official correspondence, investigation-related records, and relevant documents. I also wish to inform you that all necessary documents for a fair evaluation of the facts have been made available here.

Furthermore, while respecting freedom of press and expression, I sincerely request the following in accordance with the spirit of impartiality, balance, and factuality in journalism:

1. To correct the unsubstantiated, one-sided, and misleading parts presented about me in the published news.

2. To publish this rebuttal and clarification of mine with equal importance.

3. To refrain from publishing conclusive material without obtaining the views of the concerned party on such matters in the future.

Otherwise, I wish to inform you that I will be compelled to seek necessary legal remedies in accordance with the prevailing laws regarding the damage caused to my personal reputation, professional image, and constitutional rights. Thank you.

Sincerely,
Dr. Kedarnath Ghimire
Former Professor, Central Department of Chemistry
Tribhuvan University
Date: 2083/02/19