In a significant move, Puducherry Lieutenant Governor K Kailashnathan has called for a high-level investigation by central agencies into a widespread spurious drug manufacturing racket operating in the Union Territory. The recommendation seeks probes by both the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to unravel the national-scale network.
Political Pressure and Scale of the Racket
The push for a central agency probe came following demands from various political parties and social organizations. Former Chief Minister V Narayanasamy formally submitted a memorandum to the Lieutenant Governor, urging the transfer of the case from the local Crime Branch-Criminal Investigation Department (CBCID) to the CBI.
Narayanasamy alleged that spurious drugs worth more than ₹2,000 crore, manufactured by illegal units under the guise of branded medications, have been distributed across the country. He further charged that the operators behind these illicit units enjoy political patronage, necessitating an impartial investigation by a central authority.
Limitations of Initial Probe and Interstate Links
The case was initially investigated by the CBCID. However, its preliminary findings revealed a complex web that extended beyond Puducherry's borders. The probe indicated that individuals from multiple states were involved in the network, suggesting the racket had inter-state and potentially national-level dimensions.
This discovery highlighted the limitations of a state-level agency. "The CBCID investigation did not cover the other states. Therefore, we request your good self to transfer the case from CBCID to CBI so that all the culprits will be booked," Narayanasamy stated in his memorandum, underscoring the need for a wider probe.
Health Department's Alert and Public Appeal
Concurrently, the Puducherry health department has activated stringent measures to curb the sale of suspected counterfeit medicines. Secretary (Health) Choudhary Mohammadyasin announced that the department has issued alert notices to all retail and wholesale pharmacies, instructing them to immediately halt sales of any suspected spurious drugs.
The department is also encouraging vigilant public participation. Citizens can report any suspected illegal sale or distribution of medicines through multiple channels:
- Official landline: 0413-2353647
- WhatsApp numbers of drug inspectors: 7338443906, 9003965022, 7338894408, 8883848976
- Email: ddc.pon@gmail.com and ddc@py.gov.in
In a further regulatory clampdown, the department has mandated 100% sampling of drugs by wholesalers, retailers, clinics, pharmacies, and hospitals as per standard requirements, aiming to filter out counterfeit products from the supply chain.
The Path Forward
The Lieutenant Governor's recommendation for a CBI and NIA probe marks a critical escalation in tackling the dangerous spurious drug trade. If accepted by the central government, it would empower agencies with pan-India jurisdiction to track the money trail, manufacturing hubs, and distribution networks, potentially exposing the deep-rooted nexus behind a racket that jeopardizes public health on a massive scale.
