Crimson Business Manager Resigns

K. Babi Das ’03 resigned from her position as business manager of The Harvard Crimson early this morning after Crimson leaders questioned her management of the newspaper’s finances, according to a statement from Crimson President Imtiyaz H. Delawala ’03.

But, unlike the case of alleged financial improprieties in the Hasty Pudding Theatricals two years ago, Delawala said he did not believe that Das improperly took funds from The Crimson or committed any criminal acts.

According to the statement, the issue boiled down to an inability to maintain cooperation between Das and colleagues.

In his statement, Delawala wrote that “Crimson leaders questioned some of [Das’] financial appropriations, procedures and expenditures and her explanation of the decisions to the extent that she felt there was no way to continue their working relationships in a way that would be beneficial for the organization.”

Das declined comment on the circumstances of her resignation.

“I’m definitely going to miss working at The Crimson,” she said. “But I’m looking forward to exploring new opportunities this semester.”

Delawala said concerns about Das’ financial management were first raised over the summer, but declined to comment on the specific issues that led to her resignation.

“The details of the resignation are an internal matter being handled within The Crimson,” Delawala said.

Crimson business executive Julie Hong ’03 said that many issues which led to the resignation existed prior to Das’ term.

“[Das] led an effective tenure at The Crimson,” she said. “I think this brought forth a lot of past issues from past [years] that have existed within The Harvard Crimson and hopefully we can move constructively and positively from here.”

Delawala said he informed Crimson executives of Das’ pending resignation on Monday night and announced it to all Crimson editors last night.

In his statement, Delawala said The Crimson will be establishing “new financial policies and decision-making procedures” for future business managers.

The Crimson expects to fill the vacant position at a meeting of executives later this week.

Business executive Oliver J. Bell ’03 said he is a candidate for business manager. Several Crimson editors said Rudrabhishek Sahay ’03—who could not be reached for comment—was also being considered for the position.

The new business manager will serve until the end of the semester. Terms of Crimson executives typically run from the beginning of the spring semester until the end of the fall semester.

Several Crimson executives said Das is the first business manager to resign in recent memory.

—Staff writer Jenifer L. Steinhardt can be reached at steinhar@fas.harvard.edu.