Vivek Prakash, ex-head, Samsung IT division, is out on parole since a week now. According to a Samsung spokesperson, “The matter has already gone in for trial and is fixed for framing of charges.”
The crime branch of Economic Offences Wing (EOW) had booked Prakash on charges of misappropriation of the organization’s funds meant for the channel, after Samsung lodged an FIR against him on March 17, 2005 alleging financial irregularities. The alleged amount embezzled was estimated to be between Rs 19-Rs 50 crore.
Prakash had filed a bail application in the sessions court on May 26, which was dismissed on July 27. Prakash then appealed for anticipatory bail in the Delhi high court in August, which was rejected on October 22. To avert custody, he then filed a Special Leave Petition in the Supreme Court, but was again dismissed by the apex court and was subsequently arrested by the Delhi Police.
The furore created by the case has, however, seemingly fizzled out with the passage of time. Ajay Kumar, Park Electronics, Samsung Star Partner, said, “The channel has nothing against Vivek Prakash, instead they have a grudge against the manufacturer about the commitment. The case is buried and with him out, the case is of only academic interest. While the entire team is still in Samsung, they cannot blame a single individual for false commitments.”
Another Samsung partner, on condition of anonymity, said, “The channel is no more interested as apart from three-four partners, the existing Samsung partners are new and have had no interaction with Vivek Prakash. The channel partners might have forgotten the claims too by now.”
Mehul Gandhi uf A Plus Computers opined, “The case should end soon and the judgment should be such that Samsung sets the trend to punish people who are guilty.” According to him, Samsung is not at fault.”
The channel at large feels that while Prakash was instrumental in boosting Samsung sales he misused the funds. The concern, if at all, for the partners is about their funds and not an individual grudge against Prakash.