New Delhi, March 4: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated a probe into illegal drug manufacturing in Puducherry, following approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs. The agency has registered a case against three individuals involved with at least two companies, as confirmed by an official.
According to the official, the CBI filed an FIR against Vivek Venkatesan, Raja, and A.K. Rana based on a recommendation from the Puducherry government.
CBI Superintendent Anil Kumar Yadav ordered the FIR to be filed under various penal provisions related to criminal conspiracy, drug adulteration, fraud, illegal drug manufacturing and sales, and offenses concerning counterfeit drugs. The case was taken over by the CBI upon the recommendation of the Puducherry government’s Home Department.
The FIR states, “The CBI has re-registered the Puducherry investigation as case RC-2182026A0003.”
Previously, on December 12, 2025, the Under Secretary (Vigilance) of the Puducherry government wrote to the Lieutenant Governor, seeking approval for the CBI to investigate all criminal cases related to illegal drug manufacturing, storage, distribution, and associated crimes in the areas of Mettupalayam and Sedarapet.
An official noted that the Special Secretary (Home) of Puducherry had requested the CBI Director to take over the investigation in a letter dated December 31, 2025. The Under Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed the CBI’s takeover in a letter dated February 24, indicating no objections from the ministry.
The Puducherry government, advocating for a CBI investigation, highlighted that multiple arrests and seizures by the police suggest potential interstate ramifications, a complex supply chain, financial transactions, and involvement of various individuals across states. This indicates the presence of an organized criminal network engaged in illegal drug manufacturing and distribution.
In justifying the need for a CBI investigation, the Puducherry government stated, “The investigation has revealed that illegal financial flows and organized activities could impact public health, economic security, and national interest, with links potentially extending beyond the jurisdiction of Puducherry.”
In a letter to the CBI Director, it was noted, “The Puducherry police’s crime branch has conducted a commendable and effective investigation so far. However, it appears that further inquiry may require the CBI’s special multidisciplinary expertise, interstate coordination, financial investigation capabilities, and potential international outreach.”
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