FIR filed against blood bank officials of Mumbai’s Sir JJ Mahanagar Blood Centre

Mumbai: An FIR has been filed against two officials of the state-run Sir JJ Mahanagar Blood Centre after a recent Food and Drug Administration investigation found that blood collected at govt donation camps was allegedly diverted to a private blood bank.The FIR, lodged by State Blood Transfusion Council additional assistant director Dr Suhas Mohanalkar, names the JJ Mahanagar centre’s medical director, Dr Hitesh Pagare, and medical social officer Ajay Bhise. They have been booked under various provisions of the IPC for alleged irregularities that raise doubts about the transparency of the govt blood collection system and caused financial loss to the govt.The complaint alleges that of the 188 units collected at a govt blood donation camp in Chinchpokli on Jan 4, 2026, Bhise diverted 50 blood bags to the private Maya Blood Centre in Badlapur without approval from senior officials.

During a departmental inquiry, Bhise admitted to the diversion, apologised in writing and deposited Rs 55,000 towards processing charges. The matter, however, ended with a warning to Dr Pagare.However, the FDA inspection conducted last month uncovered serious deficiencies, including improper handling and disposal of blood and blood products, leading to suspension of the blood centre’s licence.The investigation also revealed that govt vehicles were allegedly misused to transport blood bags from JJ Mahanagar Blood Centre in Byculla to Maya Blood Centre in Badlapur. While a govt inquiry is underway, the SBTC has ordered an audit of all blood bags purchased, stored, and used over the past three years.