Cuttack fake medicine case: PIL filed in Orissa HC demanding CBI probe

The case pertaining to the sale of fake medicines in Cuttack reached the Orissa High Court with a public interest litigation (PIL) being filed on Wednesday. 

The petitioner in the petition has prayed to the court to order an probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the sale of fake medicine in the brand name of Telma-40. The drug is used for treating high blood pressure. 

Two pharmaceutical distributors-Rahul Kayal (25) and Sanjay Jalan (52)- have already been arrested in connection with the seizure of the fake drugs. While Jalan is the owner of Puja Enterprises, Kayal is the owner of VR Drug Agencies.

Meanwhile, a four-member team led by the inspector-in-charge of Purighat police station has gone outside the State to conduct further investigation into the case. The police team has reportedly got vital information about the firm manufacturing the fake Telma-40. 

Speaking about the case, Cuttack deputy commissioner of police (DCP) Pinak Mishra said that the police team is trying to reach the roots of the fake medicine case.  

“The police are investigating the spurious drug case very carefully and meticulously. A team led by Purighat IIC has gone to outside the state to establish the links. Given the gravity of the case, we are trying out best. Our effort is to reach the roots of the case. We are trying to take the case to a logical conclusion,” Mishra said. 

As per sources, one of the arrested accused had been running the business in the name of his mother, while another obtained the licence his wife’s name. The duo has got interim protection from the Orissa High Court.

“However, during the course of the investigation, we will interrogate them if required,” the Cuttack DCP added.