Rajasthan’s government has initiated an inquiry following reports that cancer drugs, valued at up to ₹ one lakh per vial, were sold on the black market in Delhi. These drugs are typically provided free of charge under the state’s government-sponsored medicine program. The investigation will focus on the procurement, distribution, and utilization of these medications to understand the circumstances surrounding their illegal sale.
Four seized vials of Bavencio 200mg/10ml (avelumab), batch AU052510, have emerged as the key link to Rajasthan. Verification with the manufacturer established that the batch was supplied to the Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation Limited (RMSCL). The inquiry committee will examine the supply chain, including procurement records, stock registers, indents, dispatch details, receipt and storage records, distribution and patient-treatment records. The Delhi Crime Branch has issued a notice to RMSCL managing director Pukhraj Sen seeking documents related to the procurement, receipt, distribution and utilisation of the particular batch. Investigators sought details of the hospitals and medical colleges that received the stock and the officials who accepted it.
The batch was manufactured in February 2025 and is due to expire in January 2028.
