JUDGMENT

The appellant in Crl.A.No.405/2017 is the first accused and the appellant in Crl.A. No.402/2017 is the second accused in the case C.C.No.02/2010 on the file of the Court of the Enquiry Commissioner and Special Judge, Thiruvananthapuram.

2. The first accused was the Director of Health Services, Kerala during the period from 06.08.1999 to 31.12.2004. The second accused was the District Medical Officer, Thiruvananthapuram during the period from 22.11.2000 to 28.09.2001 and from 09.10.2001 to 19.06.2003. The third accused was the Store Keeper, Store Verification Team, Thiruvananthapuram during the period from 09.10.2001 to 19.06.2003. The fourth accused was the Pharmacist in the Store Verification Team, Thiruvananthapuram during the period from 08.10.2001 to 10.02.2004.

3. The prosecution case is as follows: Accused 1 to 4 and late Sri.Augustine Thomas, who was the Store Superintendent (Health) in the District Medical Store, Thiruvananthapuram, entered into a criminal conspiracy to unnecessarily purchase Hepatitis B vaccine from M/s. Serum Institute of India Limited, M/s. Shantha Biotechnics (Private) Limited and M/s. V.H.Bhagath and Company, thereby allowing these companies to g