Fake vaccination controversy: Accused Debanjan contacted Serum Institute through fake email ID

Debanjan Deb, accused in the fake vaccination drive case in Kolkata had contacted the Serum Institute of India, the investigation into the case has revealed. The accused tried to pass off as the Deputy Secretary of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, presumably to acquire vaccines.

Kolkata: As the probe into the fake vaccination drive in Kolkata continues to unfold, the scope and the number of people involved in the scam is growing. According to new information, the accused, Debanjan Deb, had contacted the Serum Institute of India for vaccines, presumably for his vaccination camp.

The accused introduced himself to the company as the Deputy Secretary of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation and also created a fake email ID in the Deputy Secretary's name. Debanjan revealed during the investigation that he had good relations with representatives of multiple government agencies and was able to easily acquire the official stamp papers and letter pads from these contacts.

As per sources, the investigating officers believe many more people to be involved in the scam.

Debanjan's accomplice and his employees were interrogated at Lalbazar on Sunday and may be called again for questioning, if necessary.

Earlier, the Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, had written to the Union Health Minister, Harsh Vardhan seeking a central-level probe in the case. Adhikari also met the state health secretary on the issue on Friday.

The scam came to light after the issue was highlighted by actress-turned-politician and the Trinamool Congress MP from Jadavpur, Mimi Chakraborty, who herself was vaccinated at the camp. Later it was learnt that the vaccines jabs provided at the camp were also bogus.