New Delhi/IBNS: The central government has rejected Overseas Congress chairman Sam Pitroda's claim that hacking took place during his virtual address to students at IIT Ranchi stating no such institution exists in reality.

In an X post on February 22, Pitroda, who often stirs rows with his statements, claimed hackers started playing some objectionable content disrupting the virtual session.

Rejecting the claims, the ministry said no IIT exists in Ranchi.

The ministry then went on to claim there is an Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) in Ranchi but it has learnt Pitroda was never invited to address the students.

The ministry posted on X, "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 is pertinent to state that there is an Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) in Ranchi. But IIIT, Ranchi has also confirmed that Shri Sam Pitroda has not been invited by Institute to any conference/seminar to deliver a lecture, physically or virtually."

"Such a reckless statement seems to be an attempt to malign the image of an extremely reputed institution of the country, i.e., the Indian Institute of Technology. This institution has stood the test of time and produced some of the brightest minds in the country. Unlike such an uninformed person, IITs reputation is built on the merit, hard work, and achievement of many students, teachers, and academia."

"Ministry of Education condemns the statement and reiterates that any such attempt to malign the image of the premier institution will face legal repercussions," he added.

Sam Pitroda's recent controversial remark on China

Sam Pitroda recently stirred a fresh row by suggesting that China should not be assumed as India's enemy even after a number of cross-border conflicts between the two countries.

In an interview with IANS, Pitroda, who is known for courting controversies, said, "I don't understand the threat from China. I think this issue is often blown out of proportion because the US has a tendency to define an enemy. I believe the time has come for all nations to collaborate, not confront."

"Our approach has been confrontational from the very beginning, and this attitude creates enemies, which in turn garners support within the country. We need to change this mindset and stop assuming that China is the enemy from day one."