Mathew denies giving any information to anyone

Mathew denies giving any information to anyone
EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE

NEW DELHI, MARCH 29: Thomas Mathew, a director in the Home Ministry who is under suspension for his alleged role in the Tehelka expose, said today that he had not given any classified information or Government document to anyone.

Talking to The Indian Express, Mathew said that he did not know any Defence official, and had not introduced the Tehelka reporters to anyone.However, he admitted to having met both reporters -- Samuel Mathew and Aniruddh Bahal -- a few times in the past.

Mathew said Samuel had contacted him in connection with the transfer of one of his relatives working with the Goverment, but he had expressed his inability to help him in the matter.

Bahal had come to him for a certificate regarding his passport which was given, as his case was recommended by a responsible and reliable person, Mathew added.

Referring to reports in the press about his involvement in north-eastern affairs, Mathew said he had never worked in the North-Eastern Division and no one who had worked under him had been suspended, as reported by press.

Mathew further said that he was not in possession of wealth disproportionate to his known sources of income and therefore there was no rule under which he could have been suspended. ``I will face the situation with all my strength. I have tremendous moral strength to fight any injustice and those who have made wild allegations against me will not succeed,'' he added.

Meanwhile, former prime minister Chandra Shekhar today spoke to Home Minister L.K. Advani regarding Mathew's suspension. He urged Advani to examine the case objectively and undo any injustice done to Mathew. The Home Minister reportedly assured that the case will be reexamined.