Haffkine Bio Pharma Faces Backlash Over Controversial Officer Appointment 

Mumbai | February 25, 2026: A fresh controversy has surfaced at Haffkine Bio Pharma Corporation Limited after social activist Vijay Kumbhar criticised the decision to assign additional charge of General Manager (Production) to deputy manager Navnath Garje, who has previously faced corruption-related allegations.

The appointment, made on February 20, has triggered sharp reactions on social media and in civic circles, with Kumbhar questioning the administration’s decision to elevate a junior officer despite past complaints and inquiries linked to financial irregularities.

Activist Shares Official Correspondence

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Kumbhar shared copies of official communications and documents, claiming that Garje had earlier been named in corruption and embezzlement allegations related to procurement and sales transactions within the organisation. He questioned why such a responsibility was assigned despite these concerns.

Among the documents shared was a letter dated November 7, 2025, allegedly sent by Maharashtra FDA Minister Narhari Jhirwal to Medical Education Secretary Dheeraj Kumar, who oversees Haffkine Bio Pharma. The letter reportedly referred to allegations of corruption involving Garje and other officials, stating that inquiry agencies had found irregularities, but no concrete action had followed.

Another letter, dated November 2, 2025, from Deputy Speaker Anna Bansode to Chief Secretary Rajesh Aggarwal, also referred to meetings and ongoing anti-corruption inquiries related to the matter.

Accused Officer Denies Allegations

Responding to the controversy, Garje dismissed the accusations, stating that the complaints stem from an old internal dispute dating back to 2014, linked to disciplinary action taken against a former security officer. He maintained that the allegations were motivated by personal rivalry and not supported by proven findings.

Management Defends the Decision

Haffkine Bio Pharma Chairman and Managing Director Sunil Mahindrakar defended the appointment, stating that no case had conclusively established Garje’s guilt. He said the additional charge was given due to operational requirements and a shortage of experienced personnel.

In the official order, the management highlighted Garje’s MSc in Biochemistry, over 26 years of service, and his technical experience in production and quality assurance, particularly at the Pimpri unit, where key projects are underway.

Strong Words from Activist

Kumbhar, however, accused the institution of eroding public trust and alleged deeper administrative issues within the organisation. In a post, he said that an institution named after humanitarian scientist Waldemar Haffkine now faces allegations of corruption, misuse of authority, and governance failures.

“This is not just about one appointment. It reflects a system where accountability is ignored and institutions lose their credibility,” Kumbhar stated.

Issue Gains Wider Attention

The controversy has now drawn attention to governance practices in government-run pharmaceutical bodies, with activists and citizens demanding transparency, accountability, and independent inquiry into the allegations and appointments.

The matter is expected to escalate politically and administratively in the coming days as pressure mounts on authorities to clarify the status of past inquiries and justify the recent decision.