This is with reference to the article that has appeared in your publication on Tuesday, January 9, 2008 with the headline, Tatas up the ante on mine allocation, that has been based on Mr B Muthuraman, managing director, Tata Steel's press meet with visiting journalists in Jamshedpur.

The article totally misrepresents Mr Muthuraman's views that were expressed at the press meet and goes on to extract baseless and mischievous inferences aimed at creating controversy and sensation. The inferences and deductions arrived at have been attributed to Mr Muthuraman, which is not acceptable.

During his interaction with the media in Jamshedpur, on being questioned about allocation of mines by the government, Mr Muthuraman had mentioned that iron ore mines should be given to those who possess the expertise in steel making. At no point during his interaction did he mention names of any steel enterprises that should or should not be given preference in allocation of mines. His statement was that the government should decide and accordingly give mines to those who have the capability and know how to develop steel plants and can add value to the minerals. Taking Mr Muthuraman's statement, the journalist has arrived at his own conclusions and stated that Mr Muthuraman was referring to Arcelor Mittal, which is absolutely baseless. He has related Mr Muthuraman's statements to something that he has not spoken about at all. Mr Muthuraman also said that Tata Steel is interested in iron ore mines and did not mention any preference for a particular site.

... contd.