The controversy surrounding the government vaccination drive in Nayagaon has now reached the court. After local councillor’s husband Bablu Kori alleged on social media that children were being “forcibly vaccinated”, a legal firm has issued notices to a nurse, ASHA worker, and Community Health Officer (CHO). The Health Department has issued a stern warning, stating that anyone playing with children’s health will face strict legal action. The matter has sparked not only local uproar but also raised fresh concerns about vaccine awareness. The dispute began when a video of Bablu Kori, husband of a Nayagaon councillor, went viral online. In the video, Kori urged people to avoid government vaccination, calling it “a threat to children’s lives”. He alleged that health workers were going from door to door administering vaccines without consent, which he claimed was dangerous for children. His post created confusion among residents, and some ASHA and nursing staff reportedly faced intimidation as a result. Complaint filed with police Kori also lodged a written complaint at the Nayagaon police station against health department officials, alleging that vaccination is not mandatory and that the staff were “forcing people to get their children vaccinated without informing them”. Through Bhandari Law Firm, he sent a legal notice to the nurse, ASHA worker, and CHO involved. Following his statements, confusion spread among parents in Nayagaon and nearby areas. Several families refused vaccination, disrupting the campaign. One mother said, “I was scared after seeing the video on social media, but doctors later explained that vaccines protect our children.” Health experts warn that such controversies fuel vaccine hesitancy, which can prove dangerous during outbreaks. Health department’s firm stand District Immunisation Officer Dr Girish Dogra stated, “Vaccination is essential and safe for children’s health. Such misleading statements create unnecessary panic and disrupt public health drives. Strict legal action will be taken against those spreading misinformation.” Advocate and social activist Bablu Kori, however, defended his move, saying that he had issued the legal notice over complaints of “forced and misleading vaccination” at Anganwadi Centre No. 7, Janata Colony, Nayagaon. He cited an RTI response from the Health Department which, according to him, clarified that vaccination is voluntary, not mandatory. Kori demanded that “such coercive and misleading practices be stopped immediately, action be taken against the responsible officials, and vaccinations be carried out only with the informed consent of parents”.
