Mumbai ‘fake vaccination’ case: After housing complex, producer suspects fraud

Four people have been arrested in
connection with a suspected ‘fake vaccination camp’ that was organised at a
residential complex in Mumbai. Ever since the incident came to light, film producer Ramesh Taurani has reason to suspect that a vaccination camp
organised for his employees was a similar scam.

Taurani, founder and owner of Tips Industries Limited, had organised a vaccination camp for 365 employees on May 30 and June 3. But all those who were inoculated have still not received their vaccination certificates.

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“Yes, we are still waiting for the certificates and when my office people contacted him (Sanjay Gupta from SP Events), he said it will come by this Saturday (June 12). We got 356 people vaccinated and paid ₹ 1,200 per dose plus GST. But more than the money, now we are worried about what was given to us. Is it genuine Covishield or any saline water?” Taurani said.

He added, “We were told we would get the vaccination certificate from Kokilaben Dhirubai Ambani Hospital (in Mumbai).”

The Hiranandani Heritage Residents Welfare Association (HHRWA), a housing society in Kandivali suburb, had filed a complaint with the Mumbai police, NDTV reported. As per the residents, the vaccines doses which were administered could have been spurious. Furthermore, they have sought an investigation into the matter.

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The vaccination camp at the housing society was held on May 30, following which residents discovered that the Co-WIN portal did not have any records of the same. Also, they received certificates in the name of different hospitals and those hospitals have denied to have conducted such a camp at the society.

Deputy Municipal Commissioner (DMC) Vishwas Shankarwar have been directed by Suresh Kakani, Additional Municipal Commissioner of western suburbs, to conduct an investigation in the matter. Shankarwar has sought a report within 48 hours.