Rs 5,000 Crore of Fake Health, Now Under Real Investigation

DGCA Regional Director Questioned After Arrest of Two Men in Alleged Fake Medicine Scam The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has widened its investigation into the alleged ₹5,000-crore counterfeit medicine racket by summoning a senior public servant for questioning. The development comes days after the agency arrested two men, including the alleged kingpin of the fake medicine network, as part of its ongoing probe. According to sources, the officer, a Haryana-cadre IPS officer currently serving as a Regional Director with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has been called in for questioning over his alleged links to the main accused. CBI Expands Investigation The CBI has been investigating what is believed to be one of the country's largest counterfeit medicine rackets, allegedly involving the manufacture and distribution of fake pharmaceutical products worth thousands of crores. The agency recently arrested N. Raja, also known as Valliappan or Rajasekhar, who is alleged to be the mastermind behind the racket operating from Puducherry. Another accused was also taken into custody as investigators sought to unravel the network behind the illegal operation. Following these arrests, investigators have expanded the probe to examine whether public officials or other influential individuals may have assisted the accused. Senior Officer Summoned A senior Haryana-cadre IPS officer, who is currently serving as a Regional Director in the DGCA, has now been summoned by the CBI for questioning. Officials have not publicly disclosed the officer's identity. According to sources familiar with the investigation, the officer allegedly demanded a bribe of ₹3 crore from the main accused, claiming he had influential contacts within the CBI and could help secure relief in cases involving the businessman. The allegations are currently under investigation, and the questioning is aimed at verifying the facts and gathering additional evidence. What the CBI Said A source associated with the investigation said the agency had formally informed the officer's department before issuing the summons. "We have identified him and have summoned him, after informing his department, to find out more details about the case," the source said. At this stage, the officer has been called only for questioning, and no charges have been publicly announced against him. Alleged ₹3 Crore Bribe Demand Investigators are examining allegations that the officer assured the main accused he could use his purported connections within the CBI to influence investigations in exchange for a payment of ₹3 crore. The agency is expected to verify financial records, communications, and other evidence to determine whether any such arrangement existed. Officials have not yet disclosed whether any money was actually exchanged. About the Counterfeit Medicine Racket The alleged racket is believed to have operated from Puducherry and involved the production and distribution of counterfeit medicines across multiple locations. Counterfeit medicines pose serious risks to public health because they may: Contain incorrect ingredients. Lack essential active pharmaceutical components. Be manufactured without proper quality standards. Fail to treat medical conditions effectively. Cause serious health complications. Authorities believe dismantling such networks is essential to protecting patients and maintaining trust in the healthcare system. Investigation Continues The CBI is continuing to examine the financial transactions, business operations, and possible official connections linked to the alleged racket. Investigators are also exploring whether additional individuals, including government officials or private intermediaries, played any role in facilitating the activities of the accused. Further questioning and arrests could follow if new evidence emerges during the investigation. Legal Position Under Indian law, being summoned for questioning does not imply guilt. A summons is part of the investigative process and allows authorities to collect information, verify evidence, and determine whether any criminal offences have been committed. Any allegations against individuals involved in the case will ultimately be tested through the legal process. Conclusion The CBI's decision to summon a senior public servant marks a significant development in its investigation into the alleged ₹5,000-crore counterfeit medicine racket. While the agency seeks to uncover the full extent of the network and any possible official links, the investigation remains ongoing, and no conclusions regarding criminal liability should be drawn until the inquiry is completed and any allegations are adjudicated in court.