Ranjit Mahanti
THE Maharashtra Navnirman Sena’s (MNS) State Vice President of the student wing, Dr. Ved Tiwari has sent a defamation notice to Pravin Mundhada, Assistant Commissioner of Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Mumbai. Speaking to ABI (abinet.org) Mundhada, a very controversial officer had commented, that once Tiwari had approached him with an illegal work.
On November 15, 2014 Tiwari sent a legal (defamation) notice (copy available with ABI) to Mundhada. Tiwari has sought to publish an unconditional apology in ABI (Akela Bureau of Investigation) and also to pay Rs. 1 (Rs. One) only for damaging his social image. If Mundhada failed to obey these demands Tiwari will resort to criminal procedure against him.
“If Mundhada failed to obey the legal notice I will file defamation suit against him,” said Tiwari.
On November 7, 2014 ABI (Akela Bureau of Investigation) has published an article under headline, “FDA awards corrupt drug inspector with promotion.” Before publishing the news ABI (Akela Bureau of Investigation) contacted Mundhada for his version (quote) on the story. Mundhada had alleged that Tiwari had approached him for an illegal work which I had refused. “Tiwari mujhse illegal work karwana chahte the, jo maine inkaar kar diya tha. Main kabhi illegal kaam nahin karta,” Mundhada said. ABI had published the same version of Mundhada.
After reading the version Tiwari got shock. Now he has sent a defamation notice to Mundhada.
On October 21, 2014, Tiwari 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 enquiry is going on against Mundhada. Tiwari also demanded dismissal of Mundhada if he is found guilty in the enquiry.
However, Governor of Maharashtra has forwarded the complaint (copy available with ABI) to Medical Education Secretary for further action.
When contacted Mundhada said, “I am not aware about Tiwari’s legal notice and also Governor of Maharashtra’s consideration letter. I am able to face both- enquiry and Tiwari’s letter. (Sources said last week Mundhada approached twice a very controversial MLA to settle the dispute between Tiwari and him.)
More about Mundhada:
In a shocking move, the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), Maharashtra has rewarded its own corrupt officer, Pravin Mundhada with a promotion. A Right To Information (RTI) reply-obtained by Tiwari has- revealed that Mundhada who is currently facing two departmental enquiries (DE) and once was suspended has now been promoted as in-charge assistant commissioner of zone – 4, Mumbai from drug inspector.
On August 12, 2014, Tiwari demanded information through RTI in FDA head office, Bandra about Mundhada’s past service record. On September 9, 2014 FDA replied (copy available with ABI) to Tiwari with the below information which is shocking for all.
First enquiry
On October 15, 2010, FDA administration had initiated enquiry against Mundhada. FDA had remarked, in writing that Mundhada had not maintained integrity in performing his duty also misused his official post and indulged in corrupt practices.
Second enquiry
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.