Pramesh S Jain
The Karnataka Special Investigation Team (SIT),along with the Drugs Control Department,on Friday conducted simultaneous raids at around 10 locations in Karnataka and five other states in connection with the seizure of counterfeit medicines at Tavarekere.
The raids were carried out at locations in Karnataka, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh,Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra,as part of the probe into the alleged manufacture and supply of fake medicines.
According to sources,the investigation has revealed that companies allegedly involved in supplying counterfeit medicines were using fake bottles and labels to distribute the products.
The SIT is also probing the alleged role of kingpins who used accused Prashanth and his gang to facilitate the supply of counterfeit medicines.
Raids were conducted at the farmhouses and other properties linked to the alleged owners of the companies involved in the racket.
In Bengaluru,the SIT searched the residence and farmhouse of Veeresh,owner of Krupa Pharma,located near Minerva Circle in VV Puram.
Officials are reportedly examining documents and other material to establish the financial and operational links in the alleged counterfeit medicine network.
The joint operation by the SIT and Drugs Control Department is aimed at identifying the manufacturers, suppliers and financiers behind the racket.
