...and they spawned:condom fraud in Maharashtra

Authorities in Maharashtra are investigating reports that condoms meant for free distribution by the government were repacked and sold under various brand names. The alleged fraud is said to involve crores of rupees.

Free condoms are distributed to keep a check on population and spread of AIDS.

The factory under investigation - Deogiri Latex in Aurangabad is owned by Shirish Boralkar, the spokesman for the Bharatiya Janata Party in Marathwada.On the runBoralkar and the company's directors are reportedly on the run. Deogiri Latex was given Rs 10-crore contract in December to be completed in three months. "We can say with full authority that some states in the North were connected to this multi million scam," said EP Budhwant, Assistant Commissioner of Police in Aurangabad.

Three employees arrested during investigation admitted that the company was guilty of malpractice. "We have issued notice to the company to stop further production and recall all stocks," said V Khapekar, Joint Commissioner of Food and Drug Administration. Police are also searching for health department officials who are thought to have cooperated in the fraud.