2 More Arrested in Dubious Covid Vaccine Camps Case in Kolkata

Two more persons were arrested on Monday night in connection with fake Covid-19 vaccine camps in West Bengal.

So far, six persons have been arrested, including the mastermind Debanjan Deb, in this connection and all of them are in police custody for further investigation. Deb used to dupe people posing as an IAS officer.

Those who were arrested have been identified as Kanchan Deb (37), a resident of Naktala in the southern fringes of the city and Sarat Patra (52), a resident of Krishna Das Road in Kolkata. While Kanchan is Debanjan’s relative, Sarat used to administer fake Covid-19 vaccines at immunisation camps.

Investigation revealed that both were aware of Deb’s dubious dealings and fake vaccination camps.

“It was found that Debanjan Deb even conducted a raid near his office in the Kasba area after getting information that adulterated petrol was being sold there. A report about the raid was published in a newspaper with Deb’s photograph,” a senior police officer said.

“He also conducted fake polling of West Bengal Employees Federation and declared himself as a winner. In this case also, he got the news published in a newspaper,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has asked for the FIR copies against Deb from Kolkata Police.

The fake vaccination camps, which have sent ripples across the state, have forced Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to intervene in the matter.

She also asked the Kolkata Municipal Corporation and the Kolkata Police to be extra vigilant to prevent such cases in the state.

She also ensured that stern action will be taken against the accused.

The state government has temporarily suspended all private vaccination camps against coronavirus. However, vaccinations will be allowed in government and private hospitals in the state.

Recently, the fake vaccination camp was busted after Trinamool Congress MP Mimi Chakraborty was duped by a man who posed as an IAS officer and requested the actress-cum-politician to be present at a Covid-19 vaccination camp organised by him at Kasba area in the southern fringes of Kolkata.

Mimi, who was invited at the vaccination camp herself got vaccinated to boost the morale of the people so that they should come forward for vaccination to contain the spread of coronavirus. After two days, Mimi complained of abdomen pain and dehydration.

The accused person has been arrested and identified as Debanjan Deb. He had organized a vaccination drive posing as joint commissioner of Calcutta corporation (IAS rank). The man was arrested after Mimi alerted the police. The actress grew suspicious after she didn’t receive any message after getting vaccinated.

Further probe is underway.

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