A major investigation has been launched in Bengaluru into a suspected network dealing in counterfeit medicines used for cancer and other serious medical conditions. Investigators are examining whether fake or repackaged medicines were supplied to more than 90 hospitals, clinics and medical stores across the city.

Pharmacy owner Veeresh Kumar Jain has been arrested following a joint investigation by the Bengaluru police Special Investigation Team and the Drug Control Department. Investigators suspect that he was allegedly connected with the network.

The investigation intensified after officials conducted a search at Kripa Healthcare near Minerva Circle. A large quantity of suspected counterfeit medicines was reportedly recovered from the premises. Investigators suspect that the facility may have been used as a storage and distribution centre.

According to the preliminary investigation, the suspected network may have supplied cancer medicines, life-saving medicines and injections used in intensive care units. These medicines were allegedly offered to hospitals, clinics and medical stores at discounts of around 50 percent.

The unusually large discount has also become an important part of the investigation. Authorities are examining how the medicines were sourced, stored, repackaged and distributed and whether the products supplied through the network were genuine, counterfeit or improperly repackaged.

 More than 90 hospitals and clinics under scrutiny

Police are now working to identify the hospitals, clinics and other medical establishments that may have received the suspected medicines.

Investigators are examining purchase records, sales documents, invoices and other material seized during the investigation. They are also trying to establish whether the suspected medicines actually reached patients and, if so, where and in what quantities they were used.

The investigation is particularly significant because the suspected medicines reportedly include products used for serious medical conditions. Authorities are therefore attempting to trace the complete supply chain from the source of the medicines to their final destination.

 Possible interstate network being investigated

Investigators are also examining whether the suspected racket had links outside Karnataka. There is a possibility that medicines may have been sourced or transported from other states as part of the alleged network.

The role of more than 15 medical representatives is also reportedly being examined. Investigators suspect that some of them may have been involved in the transportation or distribution of medicines. Their exact role, however, is still under investigation.

Joint Commissioner of Police and SIT chief Vamsi Krishna has indicated that the complete extent of the suspected network is yet to be established.

Police are also examining financial transactions connected to the suspected operation. Bank records, purchase and sales documents and other seized material are being analysed to determine how the alleged network operated and how money moved between the people involved.

 Suspected key accused reportedly absconding

Police suspect that Veeresh Kumar had been operating the firm for around five years. Investigators are also examining his alleged connection with a person identified as Prashant, who is suspected of being a key accused and alleged mastermind in the network.

Prashant is reportedly absconding and police teams are searching for him. So far, Veeresh Kumar is the only reported arrest in the case.

Investigators are trying to establish Prashant's alleged role and determine whether the suspected network had connections with people or organisations in other states.

 Suspected counterfeit medicines worth Rs 5 crore seized

The investigation is linked to a raid conducted on August 18 at a farmhouse in the Bidadi and Dodderi areas of Bengaluru South district. During the operation, authorities reportedly seized suspected counterfeit medicines valued at around Rs 5 crore.

Fake invoices, equipment allegedly used for filling injections and counterfeit labels were also recovered during the raid. Following the seizure, investigators expanded the scope of the operation to trace the possible supply chain.

Coordinated searches were subsequently conducted at more than 10 locations across Karnataka, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.

The investigation eventually led officials to Kripa Healthcare and Veeresh Kumar. Authorities are now attempting to establish the full network through which the suspected medicines were allegedly stored, transported and supplied.

The SIT and Drug Control Department are continuing to identify medical establishments that may have received the suspected medicines. Investigators are focusing on the source of the medicines, the supply chain, financial transactions and the role of other suspected individuals.

The investigation is still underway. Therefore, the exact quantity of medicines supplied, their use in patient treatment and the involvement of other people will become clear only after the investigation is completed.