1 week ago
Police Suspect Prashanth Hiding in India Amid Fake Drug Probe
Police in Karnataka are investigating a suspected fake-medicine business.
The medicines were allegedly made to look like expensive cancer drugs.
Investigators believe the group may have sold almost 40,000 bottles over about 18 months.
They say the products were made at a farmhouse near Ramanagara.
Four people were arrested after police raided the farmhouse on August 19.
Police are searching for a man named Prashanth, whom they suspect of leading the operation.
His wife reportedly said he was abroad, but police have not confirmed that he left India.
A special investigation team is now examining how the medicines were made and sold.
Investigators suspect Prashanth led a counterfeit cancer-medicine racket with relatives and associates.
The operation allegedly sold nearly 40,000 bottles using packaging linked to US pharmaceutical companies.
Counterfeit medicines were reportedly manufactured at a farmhouse in Dodderi near Ramanagara.
Police arrested four people after raiding the farmhouse on August 19.
A state-ordered Special Investigation Team is investigating the packaging, ingredients, distribution and finances.
- Who
- Police are investigating alleged kingpin Prashanth, his relatives and associates, and four people already arrested.
- What
- An alleged counterfeit cancer-medicine racket involving nearly 40,000 bottles and imitation pharmaceutical packaging is being investigated.
- Where
- The medicines were allegedly manufactured at a farmhouse in Dodderi near Ramanagara, Karnataka.
- When
- The suspected racket allegedly operated for nearly 18 months; the farmhouse was raided on August 19.
- Why
- Police suspect the group produced and sold fake medicines using the names and packaging of genuine US-made drugs.
Investigators' View
Reported Family Account
Prashanth's whereabouts
Investigators' View
Police suspect Prashanth may still be in India and may be trying to evade arrest. Authorities said available information does not establish that he travelled abroad.
Reported Family Account
Prashanth's wife reportedly told investigators that he was abroad; police are verifying his travel details with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office.
Key facts
- Suspected kingpin
- Prashanth
- Alleged duration
- Nearly 18 months
- Estimated counterfeit bottles
- Nearly 40,000
- Product focus
- Expensive medicines, particularly cancer drugs
- Alleged manufacturing site
- A farmhouse in Dodderi near Ramanagara
- Initial arrests
- Four people
- Investigation agency
- A state-ordered Special Investigation Team led by IPS officer Vamshikrishna
Sources
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