The investigation stems from an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) registered on the basis of a prosecution complaint filed by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Bengaluru. According to the ED, the investigation revealed that the raw material required for manufacturing ketamine was allegedly sourced from the Research and Development Centre of M/s Inchem Laboratories Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad, through Putta Venkateshwarlu, who was serving as the company’s R&D in-charge. The agency alleged that Shivaraj Urs had established an illegal laboratory in Bengaluru for the clandestine manufacture of ketamine, while Putta Venkateshwarlu supplied ketamine intermediates, raw materials and technical expertise to facilitate its production. The ED further stated that the three accused — J. Kannan, Shivaraj Urs alias Mahesh Uthappa, and Putta Venkateshwarlu — are habitual offenders with previous involvement in cases relating to the illegal manufacture, sale and transportation of ketamine.