Letter to Bhujbal 'anthrax positive'

By Our Special Correspondent

MUMBAI, NOV. 2. An envelope containing a white powder received at the office of the Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, Mr. Chhagan Bhujbal, has been found to be anthrax-positive in the second test.

The envelope, received on October 24 last, was cleared by the Haffkin Institute here on October 30 . But the second test done by the Molecular Diagnostic Research Centre (MDRC) in Thane, found the letter `anthrax-positive.' This laboratory used the Poluymerised chain reaction method. The earlier test was a traditional culture one. The letter is being sent to the Defence Research and Development Establishment, Gwalior, according to Dr. Subhash Salunkhe, Director- General of the Maharashtra Health Services.

Dr. Salunkhe said even that if the envelop was found to be absolutely positive, its bacterial growth would be negligible, almost nil, and therefore, there was no reason for fright.

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