Fake medicine network: Krupa Healthcare owner Veeresh held by SIT

SIT takes Veeresh into custody and seizes suspected fake medicines and important documents as the probe uncovers details of an expanding supply network. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has taken Veeresh, the owner of Krupa Healthcare, into custody in connection with the alleged supply of fake medicines. Investigators have also seized suspected counterfeit medicines and important documents during the probe. Veeresh was taken in for questioning by SIT officials after the investigation reportedly brought out crucial information about the alleged medicine network. According to the details emerging from the investigation, Veeresh's alleged operations had grown considerably over the years. Investigators are looking into a network that reportedly supplied medicines not only within Karnataka but also to other states. The probe has indicated that Veeresh had earlier been involved in small-scale retail business. His alleged entry into the fake medicine trade reportedly came after he came into contact with Prashanth, described as the kingpin in the case. Also Read: Bengaluru police launch special drive after 17 child labourers found across city Investigators are probing the allegation that Prashanth gave Veeresh the idea of making large profits by changing the labels of medicines associated with reputed companies and selling them at lower prices. Veeresh allegedly agreed to enter the business after being convinced by Prashanth's plan. He reportedly told Prashanth that he would make the investment if the medicines were arranged and prepared. The alleged operation then expanded, with medicines being prepared according to the plan attributed to Prashanth. Investigators are also examining the thinking allegedly used to attract buyers. The accused reportedly believed that patients, particularly those in need of medicines, would be happy to get them at cheaper prices and would therefore be less likely to question their authenticity. This approach allegedly became the basis for expanding the business on a much larger scale. Veeresh reportedly registered his own company, Krupa Healthcare, in 2021. After setting up the company, he allegedly sourced medicines through Prashanth and other dealers. Also Read: Gauri-Ganesha festival rush: KSRTC adds 2,400 special buses for weekend travel The medicines were then reportedly supplied to reputed hospitals at prices lower than those offered by other dealers. The alleged network was not restricted to Bengaluru or Karnataka, with supplies reportedly being sent to other states, including Maharashtra and Gujarat. The investigation has also brought the role of medical representatives under scrutiny. According to the information emerging from the probe, the network allegedly used commission incentives to encourage medical representatives to facilitate medicine supplies. More than 15 medical representatives were reportedly working with the network. A warehouse near Minerva Circle is also under investigation as one of the locations from which the alleged fake medicines were supplied. The medicines were reportedly attractive to hospitals because they were available at prices significantly lower than those offered by other dealers. Some medical shops were also allegedly supplied with the medicines at low prices for further sale. Among the medicines allegedly supplied through the network, cancer medicines were a major category, with hospitals reportedly receiving these medicines. The alleged supplies also included thyroid medicines, vitamin tablets and certain injections. With Veeresh now in SIT custody, investigators are questioning him about the entire supply chain, including the source of the medicines, the people involved in their preparation and distribution, the dealers connected to the network, and the hospitals and medical shops to which they were supplied. The SIT has seized suspected fake medicines along with important documents and is examining the material as part of its investigation.