Congress seeks CBI probe into functioning of illegal drug manufacturing unit in Puducherry

Former Chief Minister and Congress leader V. Narayanasamy has sought a CBI probe into the busting of two illegal drug manufacturing units that were functioning without any valid permission for almost four years in Puducherry.

Addressing a press conference in Puducherry on Monday, he said the CB-CID police had last week unearthed a racket that was involved in the manufacture of drugs in the name of a prominent pharma company. 

Police seized a large quantity of drugs, machinery and pharmaceutical ingredients worth crores from two illegal units at Mettupalayam and Sedarapet. The raids were conducted following a complaint filed by the pharma company about existence of fake drug manufacturing companies in Puducherry, he said.  

“The manufacturing units were functioning at both the places without any permission from government departments for last four years. They were not even paying taxes but were involved in multi-crore business. The manufacturing of drugs by unlicensed entities poses threat to life. Consuming such substandard drugs could even endanger life. The drugs manufactured at the units here were sold even in Northern parts of the country,” he said.

Criticises BJP

Mr. Narayanasamy said enquiries revealed the two units were run by a person by named Raja, a native of Madurai in Tamil Nadu. The units were functioning without permission from relevant departments, including Health, Fire and Labour, for four years. There are several unanswered questions, such as how the company could function without paying GST for such a long time and procure large quantity of ingredients meant for manufacturing drugs from outlets without permit, he said.

“As per our information, the owner is close to a BJP leader who has clout in running the Legislative Assembly. He frequents the Assembly and was often found with the leader. Only two workers of the manufacturing units were arrested so far and there is pressure on CB-CID to scuttle the probe. The Enforcement Directorate has also done preliminary inquiry into the case so it was better to hand over the investigation to CBI,” he said.

If the government failed to order a CBI probe, he would write to the Prime Minister and Union Health Minister to order a probe as the crime has serious implications for health care management in the country.