Binu Varghese is a Thane-based activist who has been exposing food adulteration, sex rackets and other social evils. He recently talked to S Balakrishnan about his work.
Excerpts:
Q. You are a prominent activist of Thane. What prompts you to expose wrongdoings in society? And when did you start your activism?
A. I have been actively involved in social work for the past 23 years. I am a resident of Thane, born and brought up in Mumbai.
Q. How many rackets have you exposed so far?
A. I have successfully exposed and helped bust over 100 rackets.
Q. Which is the biggest racket you have exposed so far? Pl give details.
A Rs500-crore hawala racket was busted by me at Mira-Bhayandar.
Q. An FIR for alleged extortion was filed against you. What happened to that?
A. A false FIR was registered against me after I exposed an assistant TMC commissioner for extorting money from builders. The case was later quashed and I was acquitted by the Hon’ble court after Mahesh Aher himself admitted in court that the FIR was false. Another FIR was filed naming me as a co-accused alongside former commissioner of police Param Bir Singh. This case, influenced by political interference, was also dismissed by the Hon’ble High Court.
Q. Do you get cooperation from the police and other authorities in your campaign or is there resistance to exposing frauds?
A. Yes, I do receive priority and support in my campaigns when exposing fraud or misconduct, even involving police officers.
Q. Have you received threats from vested interests? If yes, what precautions are you taking?
A. Yes, I have received several threats from underworld elements and political leaders. For my protection, I possess a licensed pistol issued by the Thane commissioner of police 22 years ago.
