Fake vaccine scam across Mumbai: Third FIR filed on complaint from Tips

The accused had said they were procuring Covishield vaccine from Kokilaben hospital. Representation pic

Police on Monday registered the third FIR in connection with the fake vaccine supply scam across Mumbai. Khar police filed the FIR after Tips Industries Limited complained about getting fake vaccines for its employees.

Officers said the accused arrested for supplying fake vaccine to Hiranandani Heritage society in Kandivli are the ones who had scammed Tips. Khar police will take the custody of the accused, Sanjay Gupta and Rajesh Pandey, from its Kandivli counterpart.

Police said Tips Industries and Tips Films arranged the vaccination camp for their employees and their families at Durga Chambers in Khar West on June 3 and June 4.

Senior Inspector Gajanan Kabdule of Khar police station told mid-day, "After Kandivli vaccination scam came to light, we received a complaint from Tips Films that they received fake Covishield vaccine. Around 206 employees and their family members took the shot during the drive."

"Tips didn't get vaccination certificates. Gupta and Pandey had told them that they will procure Covishield vaccine from Kokilaben hospital and arrange a camp at Tips. However, bottles of Covishield used for the vaccination were not sealed. Tips had paid Rs 2,84,696 for the vaccines," Kabdule added.

"The accused have been booked under Sections 268 (public nuisance), 270 (doing any act known to spread infection or disease dangerous to life), 274 (admiration of drugs), 275 (sale of adulterated drugs), 276, 419 (impersonation), 420 (cheating), 465 (forgery), 467, 468, 470 (forging document), 471, 188 and 34 of the IPC, and Sections 43 and 66(e) of the IT act," said an officer from Khar police station.

Police sources said the main accused, Dr Manish Tripathi, is still absconding. Tripathi is also suspected of destroying the Covishield bottles containing fake vaccine. Another accused, Mahendra Singh, destroyed his mobile phone at Panvel and Kandivli police could find only the mobile screen, sources added.

Rs 2.8 lakh
Amount the firm paid the accused for vaccines