A News18 investigation has found that a firm hired for conducting Covid tests during the Kumbh congregation in Haridwar remains only on papers. The laboratories hired by the firm in question allegedly conducted thousands of fake Covid tests.
The papers accessed by News18 suggests the Haridwar Kumbh administration had inked an MoU with Max Consultancy Service (MCS) in April for conducting the Covid tests. The paper shows the consultancy had an arrangement with six laboratories for collecting samples of rapid antigen and RT-PCR tests.
After it was discovered thousands of tests were fake following a complaint by a Punjab-based whistleblower Vipan Mittal, News18 correspondent Nikhil Lakhwani visited the office of the consultancy service as shown in the records and found no such office was found in the Bhikaji Cama Place area in New Delhi. On checking the website, the team reached its Sector 63 Noida office only to find an isolated building with its gate chained. A property dealer’s numbers were displayed outside the secluded structure.
Kumbh health official Dr Arjun Sengar said the firm seemed okay to them as it had submitted all documents. One Arjun Negi whose name is mentioned on behalf of a consultancy firm in official communication claimed he longer works for the company. “I am not responsible (for wrongdoings). I was there to help the firm for a brief period,” he said.
The Kumbh administration had an agreement with various laboratories to pay Rs 354 for every antigen test and Rs 500 for the RT-PCR test. Meanwhile, Uttarakhand secretary (health) Amit Negi has asked Haridwar officials to hold up payments of the firm to the tune of Rs 3 crore.
Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal hailed News18 for conducting the investigation. “Further, the Haridwar administration is conducting a probe and we are hopeful of a fair report,” said Uniyal who is also the government’s spokesperson.
As per official records, close to four lakh Covid tests were conducted by 22 laboratories hired by the administration during Kumbh Mela in Haridwar that witnessed a gathering of lakhs of devotees despite curbs. From former Nepal king Gyanendra, former UP chief minister Akhilesh Yadav to Akhara Parishad head Narendra Giri and several other seers had tested positive for Covid soon after attending the congregation.
(With inputs from Nikhil Lakhwani in New Delhi)
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