ABI IMPACT: FDA ‘demotes’ corrupt assistant commissioner Pravin Mundhada

Ranjit Mahanti

THE Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), Maharashtra has ‘demoted’ its own officer, Pravin Mundhada after ABI published two articles exposing the corrupt practices in FDA. Mundhada who is currently facing two departmental enquiries (DE) and once was suspended had been ‘rewarded’ the post of in-charge assistant commissioner of zone – 4, Mumbai from drug inspector.

Speaking to ABI Joint Commissioner, FDA, ST Patil confirmed about the ‘demotion’ of Mundhada.

“Mundhada was not promoted. Given additional charges only, which we removed from him,” said Patil.

Mundhada has also been restricted from field work, and has been ‘awarded’ a desk job only.

After the news was published in ABI (Akela Bureau of Investigation) Mundhada approached several politicians, FDA and police officials to restrict publishing news on ABI and ‘manage’ Dr. Ved Tiwari.

First article

On November 7, 2014 ABI (abinet.org) has published first article under headline, “FDA awards corrupt drug inspector with promotion.” According to documents (available with ABI) there are two departmental inquiries pending against Mundhada and he was suspended but was later awarded with “promotion.”

Second article

On November 27, 2014 ABI (abinet.org) had published second article under headline, “Corrupt FDA officer again in trouble for controversial statement.”

Dr. Ved Tiwari, vice president, Maharashtra Navnirman Vidyarthi Sena (MNVS) complained (copy available with ABI) to the Governor of Maharashtra, Vidyasagar Rao, Lokayukta , Chief Secretary Swadhin Kshatriya, Medical Education Secretary Manisha Mhaiskar to continue the suspension till inquiry is on against Mundhada. Tiwari has also demanded dismissal of Mundhada if he is found guilty in inquiry.

First DE

Mundhada had unnecessarily initiated inquiry against Baba Ramdev’s product Divya Yaunamrit Vati. Mundhada was allegedly harassing Rana to fix certain amount as hafta. On October 15, 2010, FDA administration initiated inquiry against Mundhada. FDA remarked, in writing that Mundhada had not maintained integrity in performing his duty also misused his official post and committed corruption.

Second DE

On May 23, 2014, H. R. Suryavanshi, deputy secretary Maharashtra government initiated second inquiry (copy available with ABI) against Mundhda with a written remark that Mundhada is unaware of his official duties and responsibilities.

Suspension

Mahesh Zagade, the then commissioner, FDA had suspended Mundhada after a surprise check revealed that two chemist shops in his (Mundhada) zone were functioning without a qualified pharmacist.

However in a surprising turn of events last month Mundhada was “promoted” as incharge assistant commissioner, without taking into any consideration his past suspensions and offences.

“I am very thankful to ABI (abinet.org) who exposed FDA and Mundhada’s corrupt practices. I am also thankful to ST Patil. joint commissioner FDA for taking the matter seriously,” said Tiwari.

“But our efforts will continue till Mundhada’s is dismissed from service. I will also resort to criminal procedure against him,’ Tiwari added.

When contacted Mundada he reverted saying, “I am in clinic”.