Karnataka Health Minister Calls for SIT Investigation into ₹5-Crore Fake Medicine Racket

Bengaluru, India Aug 19, 2026 ALN: Bengaluru: A massive racket involving the repacking and relabelling of suspected spurious medicines has been unearthed near Bengaluru, prompting Karnataka Health Minister U T Khader to push for a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to trace the wider network behind the operation.

Acting on a tip-off, officials of the Food and Drugs Administration raided a farmhouse at Kurubarakeranahalli in Bidadi on Wednesday and allegedly uncovered an unauthorised pharmaceutical repacking unit. Drugs and related material estimated to be worth around ₹5 crore were seized during the operation.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the medicines were sourced from Himachal Pradesh and Telangana before being brought to the farmhouse, where they were allegedly repacked into fresh vials and relabelled to resemble products of well-known pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer, Eucratia Healthcare Private Ltd and Welcure Remedies.

Officials said the suspected spurious medicines could contain no active pharmaceutical ingredients, incorrect ingredients or potentially harmful substances. QR and scanning codes printed on the labels were also found to be non-functional, raising further suspicion about the authenticity of the products. This is particularly concerning given the potential health risks posed by consuming counterfeit medications, which can lead to treatment failures and adverse health effects.

The farmhouse where the operation was allegedly being carried out belongs to Siddaiah and is said to have been leased to Prashanth, who is reportedly based in Dubai. According to the department, the operation was allegedly run by a person identified as Tejas. Police have arrested Prabhu Dev Gowda, said to be one of the workers at the facility. These arrests raise questions about the scale of the operation and the involvement of other individuals or entities in the wider network.

However, investigators are yet to establish the full distribution network, including the pharmacies, hospitals and other healthcare facilities where the suspected spurious medicines may have been supplied. The lack of clarity regarding the distribution channels is troubling, as it indicates that these potentially dangerous products may have reached unsuspecting patients and healthcare providers.

Health Minister U T Khader said he had discussed the matter with the Home Minister and that the government was considering the formation of an SIT comprising police and health department officials. “I have spoken to the Home Minister. We are planning to constitute a Special Investigation Team to investigate the matter. Other states will also be informed. The investigation will cover the logistics network, middlemen and the entire supply chain of the spurious drugs,” he said.

This proposed SIT is expected to play a crucial role in uncovering the full extent of the operation, which may involve multiple states and a network of individuals engaged in the illegal trade of counterfeit medicines. The collaboration between law enforcement and health officials is essential for effectively tackling this issue, as it combines legal expertise with knowledge of pharmaceutical regulations.

Khader emphasized the importance of ensuring public safety and health, stating that the government would investigate whether similar illegal operations were being carried out elsewhere in Karnataka. This proactive approach is necessary to safeguard the health of citizens and to restore public confidence in the healthcare system, which can be severely undermined by incidents of counterfeit drugs.

Under Section 17B of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, the manufacture, sale, stocking or distribution of spurious drugs is a serious offence. Depending on the nature of the violation, those found guilty can face imprisonment ranging from a minimum of 10 years to life. This legal framework underscores the seriousness of the crime and the potential consequences for those involved in the illegal drug trade.

The seized stock is expected to be produced before the JMFC court in Bengaluru South as the investigation continues. As the case unfolds, it will be critical for authorities to not only prosecute those directly involved but also to implement measures that prevent similar incidents in the future. This may include stricter regulations, enhanced monitoring of pharmaceutical operations, and greater public awareness campaigns about the dangers of counterfeit medications.

In light of this incident, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive review of the existing regulatory framework governing pharmaceuticals in India. The prevalence of counterfeit drugs is a global issue, and India, being one of the largest producers of generic drugs, faces unique challenges in combating this problem. Strengthening the enforcement of drug regulations, enhancing traceability in the supply chain, and fostering collaboration between various stakeholders in the healthcare sector are all essential steps toward ensuring the integrity of pharmaceutical products.

Furthermore, the implications of this drug racket extend beyond immediate health risks; they also pose significant challenges to the reputation of the Indian pharmaceutical industry, which is known for its contributions to global health. Addressing these challenges effectively will require concerted efforts from government agencies, industry stakeholders, and the public to create a safer and more reliable healthcare environment.