Private labs face investigation for fake Covid-19 reports during Kumbh Mela
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People were seen without mask, with no social distancing as India logged over 1.6 lakh cases on Tuesday/Image from PTI
A private laboratory in Uttarakhand has been found responsible for issuing fake Covid-19 tests during Kumbh Mela. The grand religious festival held in April 2021 had brought lakhs of devotees together in parts of Haridwar, Dehradun, Tehri, and Pauri districts.
The Uttarakhand government has ordered a probe into the allegations. Other labs which were roped in to conduct random Covid-19 tests on devotees will also undergo investigation, The Indian Express reported.
After the Uttarakhand Health Department conducted a preliminary inquiry into the accused laboratory and found similar fake Covid-19 reports, a detailed inquiry was recommended. A three-member committee under the Chief Development Officer will be carrying out the probe. The initial report is expected in 15 days.
If the investigation proves that the lab was responsible for the fake reports, an FIR will be registered. However, mistakes could have also been due to entry error or because the test recipients gave incorrect ID details to avoid tracing if found positive.
The Uttarakhand High Court had ordered 50,000 tests to be performed every single day. Around 24 private labs were assigned to conduct random antigen tests on people coming to the festival. The Mela administration brought in 10 ICMR-approved labs who then carried out 2.52 lakh tests during the one month of Kumbh Mela.
The issue of fake reports was brought to light by a Punjab resident whose Aadhaar number and mobile number were misused. He was in Punjab during the Kumbh Mela and received an SMS stating that his sample had been collected for a Covid-19 test. He emailed ICMR to report the matter, and ICMR notified the Health Department in Uttarakhand.