Fake medicines sent to Ladakh using forged Himachal licence; Ambala firm owner held
Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source: Internet
Kala Amb/ Shimla, Nov 17,
A major counterfeit drug racket with cross-state links has been busted by Sirmaur Police, unveiling how duplicate medicines were allegedly pushed into the public health system using forged licences of a Himachal Pradesh-based firm. The case has triggered serious concern over drug safety protocols in the region.
The Superintendent of Police, Sirmaur, N. S. Negi, confirmed that the owner of a Haryana-based pharmaceutical unit has been arrested after investigators traced the supply of fake medicines to Ladakh’s Chief Medical Officer (CMO) back to his company.
The investigation began after Nitin Gupta, Partner at SVR Health Care (Paonta Sahib), filed a complaint stating that his firm’s licence and batch numbers had been fraudulently used by M/s Danish Lab, located in Jain Tower, Ambala, Haryana. According to the complaint, the firm had illegally supplied Amoxicillin Trihydrate Dispersible Tablets IP 250 mg and Cefixime Tablets IP 200 mg to Ladakh in 2024, falsely branding them as SVR Health Care products.
Drug inspectors in Ladakh reportedly found the samples non-compliant and of suspicious quality, prompting immediate communication with Sirmaur authorities. Once the forged batch numbers were confirmed, a criminal case was registered on November 10 at the Puruwala Police Station under provisions of the Counterfeiting and Trademarks Act, 1999.
Taking cognisance of the seriousness of the allegations—especially given that public health institutions were targeted—SP Negi constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by DSP Paonta Sahib.
On November 14, the SIT, along with Drug Controller Officer Hemant Grover, inspected the premises of Danish Lab in Ambala. Sources in the department said the inspection uncovered major procedural violations and inconsistencies in the facility’s operations, strengthening suspicions of large-scale counterfeit manufacturing.
During the inspection, police arrested Aniket, owner of Danish Lab, who has since been produced before the court. Officials said his role in forging licences and supplying counterfeit medicines stands prima facie established.
SP Negi stated that while the primary accused is now in custody, the investigation remains active:
“We are examining the entire supply chain to determine whether more individuals or entities were complicit in manufacturing, packaging or distributing the duplicate medicines.”
Officials have not ruled out the possibility of more arrests, especially if the probe uncovers intermediaries or buyers who knowingly aided the circulation of counterfeit drugs.
The case has brought renewed focus on the vulnerability of health systems in remote and high-altitude regions like Ladakh, where procurement chains often involve multiple states. Authorities are also investigating whether such counterfeit consignments may have reached other districts.
For Himachal, the case underscores the broader challenge of protecting the state’s pharmaceutical reputation, as the hill state remains one of India’s largest pharma hubs.
About the Author
The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
