Bengaluru, September 15, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Karnataka Special Investigation Team (SIT) has intensified its investigation into an alleged interstate fake medicine racket and is preparing to seek the custody of key accused Veeresh Kumar Jain for further questioning.
Jain is currently in judicial custody at Bengaluru Central Prison. Investigators suspect he played a central role in planning and monitoring the alleged racket and directed Prashant and others involved in its operations.
The SIT is seeking his custody to trace the source of the counterfeit medicines and uncover the network involved in their procurement, repackaging and distribution. Investigators are expected to question Jain about where the medicines were obtained, how they were repackaged and supplied, and how they reached medical shops and private hospitals.
The investigation has so far indicated that counterfeit tablets, syrups and other medicines were allegedly supplied to more than 80 medical shops and private hospitals across Karnataka, with several establishments in Bengaluru also under scrutiny.
Officials suspect the network generated an annual turnover of more than Rs 15 crore through the alleged illegal trade. The SIT is also examining whether the racket extended beyond Karnataka and whether counterfeit medicines were supplied to other parts of the country.
Investigators are probing the roles of Prashant and other accused and are attempting to identify additional members of the alleged network based on information gathered so far.
As part of the investigation, the SIT and Drugs Control Department conducted coordinated searches at 10 locations across Karnataka, Haryana, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh and Telangana on Friday. Around 80 to 100 officials and staff took part in the raids targeting offices, properties and other premises linked to companies allegedly involved in manufacturing, repackaging and supplying counterfeit medicines.
In Bengaluru, officials searched a pharmaceutical company near Minerva Circle, close to Lalbagh, and examined medicines allegedly sourced from different locations before being repackaged and distributed.
The probe has also indicated a possible international dimension, with investigators examining allegations that counterfeit labels used on the medicines were sourced from abroad.
The alleged racket came to light around two weeks ago following its reported operation in Dodderi on the outskirts of Bengaluru in Ramanagara district. Since then, investigators have been working to map the entire supply chain, from sources and repackaging facilities to distributors, medical shops and hospitals that allegedly received the medicines.
The SIT is now expected to seek Jain’s custody through a body warrant to question him further and identify others allegedly involved in the racket.
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