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SIT and Drugs Control Department suspect counterfeit cancer drugs and ICU injections were supplied to over 90 hospitals and clinics in Bengaluru.
Pharmacy owner Veeresh Kumar Jain, arrested in connection with the suspected fake medicine racket in Bengaluru.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Bengaluru Police, along with the Drugs Control Department, has uncovered a suspected large-scale counterfeit medicine racket in Bengaluru, with investigators alleging that fake and repackaged medicines were supplied to hospitals and clinics across the city.
Police said on Saturday that pharmacy owner Veeresh Kumar Jain had been arrested in connection with the case. Investigators suspect the network supplied counterfeit cancer medicines, other life-saving drugs and ICU injections to more than 90 hospitals and clinics in Bengaluru, allegedly offering them at discounts of around 50 per cent.
Pharmacy Raided Near Minerva Circle
Acting on leads from an earlier case, the SIT and Drugs Control Department raided Krupa Healthcare near Minerva Circle, where they seized a large quantity of suspected counterfeit medicines.
Investigators suspect the pharmacy was being used as a storage point before the medicines were distributed to medical shops, hospitals and clinics.
According to the investigation, low-cost medicines were allegedly rebranded and sold under different names. Expired medicines were also allegedly repackaged in new containers and given counterfeit labels, including labels resembling those of reputed pharmaceutical companies.
Suspected Network Across Multiple States
The investigation has indicated that the suspected racket may have extended beyond Karnataka. More than 15 medical representatives are suspected of facilitating the movement of the medicines.
However, investigators are yet to establish the full extent of the suspected interstate distribution network, including the destinations of the medicines and the total value of the transactions.
Police have seized bank transaction records, purchase and sale vouchers and other documents. These are now being examined to trace the movement of medicines and money.
Key Accused Allegedly Absconding
Police said Veeresh Kumar is suspected of operating the firm for around five years and allegedly had links with Prashant, described by investigators as a key accused and alleged kingpin of the network.
Prashant is currently absconding, and efforts are underway to trace him. Veeresh Kumar is the only person arrested in the case so far.
Investigation Began With August 18 Raid
The case originated with a raid at a farmhouse in the Bidadi and Dodderi areas of Bengaluru South district on August 18.
Authorities seized suspected counterfeit medicines worth around Rs 5 crore, along with fake bills, injection-filling equipment and counterfeit labels.
Following the seizure, the SIT expanded its investigation and conducted coordinated searches at more than 10 locations across Karnataka, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.
Investigators working backwards from the Bengaluru South case allegedly traced the suspected supply chain to Krupa Healthcare and Veeresh Kumar, leading to the subsequent action near Minerva Circle.
Quick Answers
Ask News18Veeresh Kumar Jain, the owner of Krupa Healthcare pharmacy, has been arrested by the Bengaluru Police Special Investigation Team (SIT). Additionally, an individual named Prabhadev was arrested following an initial raid on an unlicensed facility in Ramanagara district.
Ask News18About the Author
Pragya Bahuguna is a digital journalist at News18.com, covering national and international news, including Indian politics and geopolitics, with an interest in environment and climate affairs. She hol…Read More
September 13, 2026, 6:30 PM IST
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