Bengaluru: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged fake drug manufacturing and distribution racket has arrested Prashanth Ranjan Babu, suspected to be a key accused in the case.
Prashanth, against whom a lookout circular had already been issued, was arrested at Kempegowda International Airport shortly after he arrived in Bengaluru from Azerbaijan early Monday. He was taken into custody by SIT officials at the airport’s arrival section and later handed over to the investigation team headed by ACP Anjan Kumar.
Investigators had traced Prashanth to Azerbaijan during the probe into the alleged manufacture and supply of counterfeit medicines. He had reportedly been staying there after the case came to light. His visa expired on September 9, following which he was reportedly detained by authorities there.
Sources said the lack of a direct extradition arrangement between India and Azerbaijan meant investigators had to wait for Prashanth to return to India. The lookout circular enabled the authorities to detain him immediately upon his arrival.
The case relates to an alleged fake medicine manufacturing and supply network uncovered at a farmhouse in Dodderi, Ramanagara. Investigators are now questioning Prashanth to establish the extent of his alleged role and identify others involved in the network.
Another key accused, Veeresh Jain, is also under the scanner. Investigators suspect that Jain played a significant role in supplying the alleged counterfeit medicines to hospitals and medical stores.
The probe has also indicated that the network may have had an annual turnover of around Rs 15 crore. The SIT is investigating the alleged supply chain, financial transactions and the network through which the counterfeit medicines were distributed.
