Published Sep 30, 2026 | 1:11 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 30, 2026 | 1:12 PM
Investigators are examining financial transactions, movement of consignments and other people allegedly connected to the interstate network.
Bengaluru Police’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the interstate spurious medicines racket has made a seventh arrest in the case. The SIT has arrested an individual named Balasubramanian from Chennai, reportedly based on information obtained during the interrogation of alleged kingpin R. Prashanth.
Investigators are probing Balasubramanian’s alleged role in the counterfeit medicine distribution network linked to Prashanth.
According to reports citing SIT sources, Prashanth operated through DM Pharma, a Chennai-based pharmaceutical company which investigators suspect was used as a front to move counterfeit medicines through the regular pharmaceutical supply chain.
SIT sources said Balasubramanian allegedly distributed fake medicine consignments received from Prashanth and co-accused Veeresh in Chennai and other areas.
Investigators are examining financial transactions, movement of consignments and other people allegedly connected to the interstate network.
Separately, the SIT is also examining Prashanth’s foreign travel and bank transactions, including his visits to Turkey and Azerbaijan. Investigators suspect he travelled to Turkey to procure medical-related items.
The investigation was initiated after the Karnataka Food Safety and Drugs Administration (FDA)’s Drug Enforcement Wing seized counterfeit drugs, industrial machinery and other materials valued at Rs 5.05 crore during a raid at a farmhouse in Kurubarakeranahalli, Bidadi, Bengaluru South district on August 18.
Subsequent searches by the Bengaluru Police’s SIT and the Drugs Control Department led to findings indicating an inter-state racket involved in the manufacture, supply and distribution of counterfeit medicine, including life-saving drugs such as those used to treat cancer.
The police identified R. Prashanth as the alleged kingpin of the suspected racket. He was arrested on September 28 at the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru after he arrived from Sharjah. Prashanth has been remanded to police custody until October 7.
(Edited by Fayisa CA)
