‘Sacked’ vaccine lab chief takes Venugopal route against Anbumani

The ministry had earlier shut down the vaccine manufacturing facility, along with two other PSU units, citing failure to keep the minimum required manufacturing practices. Elangeswaran, a former director of another vaccine manufacturing facility, the Pasteur Institute, Coonoor, was relieved from the post and later transferred to the Central Government Health Scheme as a senior specialist. However, he went on a medical leave two days after being shunted from the post.

The vaccine unit and its director was embroiled in controversy after he told a section of the media that he was being arm-twisted into stopping vaccine production at Guindy in favour of private players. He had also named two senior officials who allegedly pressurised him into agreeing to stoppage of vaccine production.

Accompanied by two police personnel, Elangeshwaran resumed duty at BCG Lab on Monday morning, much to the surprise of many staff, though he refused to meet the employees’ union representatives. He was not available for comment.