Goa Police Files FIR Against Pharma Company for Alleged Fake Snake Anti-Venom Supply
In a significant development, the Goa Police have officially registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Aarav Pharma, based in Santa Cruz, on Thursday. The pharmaceutical company stands accused of allegedly cheating the Directorate of Health Services (DHS) by supplying spurious snake anti-venom, a critical life-saving drug.
Complaint Filed by Health Department Official
The complaint was formally lodged by Dr. Saheen Saiyed, the Deputy Director of Medicine at the DHS, acting on behalf of the health department. According to the complaint, Aarav Pharma supplied lyophyllised (freeze-dried) snake anti-venom that was found to be spurious, thereby constituting a criminal breach of trust in government procurement processes.
Details of the Alleged Fraud
Police investigations reveal that the accused party dishonestly misrepresented to the DHS, claiming that the pharmaceutical product was manufactured by Vins Bioproducts Pvt Ltd. Furthermore, it is alleged that the company knowingly used infringed copies of copyright labels and packaging belonging to Vins Bioproducts Pvt Ltd without obtaining proper consent, all for the purpose of commercial gain.
The product was not manufactured by the said company, and as a result, the DHS was induced to place a purchase order amounting to Rs 4.9 lakh and accept delivery of the counterfeit snake anti-venom.
Legal Actions and Ongoing Investigations
Panaji police have registered the FIR under charges of cheating and violations of the Copyright Act, as confirmed by PI Vijaykumar Chodankar. This case follows earlier reports that the central and state food drugs administration had seized the entire stock of 1,080 vials of suspected spurious snake anti-venom, with samples sent for rigorous testing.
Investigations are currently underway to determine the exact location where the product was manufactured. Aarav Pharma, which is an empanelled vendor for the health services, supplied the drug in question.
Immediate Action Triggered by Complaint
A senior health official disclosed that immediate action was taken after an original drug manufacturing company based in Telangana filed a complaint with the central FDA. The complaint highlighted that a suspicious snake anti-venom, bearing their label, had been supplied to the health services.
Critical Nature of Snake Anti-Venom
Emphasizing the gravity of the situation, a doctor explained, "Snake anti-venom is a very sensitive, life-saving drug that is manufactured through a complex and intricate process. It also must be stored and transported in refrigerated conditions and cannot be tampered with." This underscores the severe risks associated with the distribution of counterfeit versions of such essential medications.
