Hans News Service Bengaluru

Theinvestigation into the alleged fake medicine racket in Karnataka has revealed that the accused may have been manufacturing and selling counterfeit cancer drugs for nearly 18 months, with investigators now focusing on the alleged kingpin, Prashanth.

According to investigators, Prashanth, along with some of his relatives and associates, allegedly ran the racket and targeted expensive medicines, particularly those used in cancer treatment. The gang is suspected to have sold nearly 40,000 bottles of counterfeit cancer medicines by using the names and packaging of medicines manufactured by US-based pharmaceutical companies.

Investigators suspect that bottles and labels resembling those of genuine American medicines were used to make the counterfeit products appear authentic. The medicines were allegedly manufactured at a farmhouse in Dodderi near Ramanagara before being supplied through the network.

The alleged racket came to light after officials raided the farmhouse on August 19. A case was subsequently registered at Tavarekere police station, leading to the arrest of four people.

Police are now searching for Prashanth, who is suspected to be the key person behind the operation. His wife and other relatives have been questioned as part of the investigation. His wife reportedly told investigators that Prashanth was abroad. However, police are examining the possibility that he may still be in India.

Investigators are also verifying his travel details with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office. Sources said the information available with the authorities does not establish that Prashanth had travelled abroad. Based on the suspicion that he may be attempting to evade arrest, police have issued a lookout notice against him.

Meanwhile, the state government has ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the racket. Following the government order, the Tavarekere police have handed over the case records to the SIT. The investigation is being led by IPS officer Vamshikrishna. The SIT has formally taken up the case and is expected to question the four accused already arrested by the police.

The investigation will focus on the source of the counterfeit packaging, procurement of pharmaceutical ingredients, manufacturing process, distribution network and financial transactions linked to the alleged racket.