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The owner of Coldrif cough syrup has been arrested after a toxic batch claimed 20 young lives in Madhya Pradesh. Investigations reveal a deadly chemical in the syrup. How did this dangerous medicine reach children? The full story unfolds.
MP police arrests Coldriif cough syrup owner
Bhopal: In a major breakthrough, the Madhya Pradesh Police have arrested Ranganathan Govindan, the owner of Coldrif cough syrup, from Chennai in connection with the deaths of several children allegedly caused by the consumption of the toxic medicine.
The arrest marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the tragedy that has sparked widespread outrage and calls for stricter regulation of pharmaceutical products across India.
Watch Video: Children’s deaths due to toxic cough syrup; Investigations and politics intensify
According to officials, the Coldrif cough syrup, manufactured by Srisun Pharmaceuticals, was found to contain a dangerously high concentration of Diethylene Glycol (DEG) a poisonous chemical known to cause kidney failure and other severe health complications. Laboratory tests revealed that the syrup contained 46.2% DEG, making it lethal, especially for children.
The tragic incident came to light in Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh, where at least 20 children lost their lives after consuming the contaminated cough syrup. The deaths sent shockwaves across the region, prompting authorities to launch an extensive probe into the production and distribution chain of the drug.
The syrup claimed the life of at least 20 children
Following the discovery, the Madhya Pradesh Police announced a reward of Rs 20,000 for information leading to the arrest of Ranganathan Govindan. A special police team was dispatched to Tamil Nadu to track him down. After several days of search operations, Govindan was finally apprehended in Chennai and is being brought to Madhya Pradesh for further questioning.
The state government has also constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to examine how such a large quantity of toxic cough syrup was able to reach the market.
The SIT has been tasked with identifying lapses in the manufacturing process, quality control mechanisms, and possible negligence on the part of regulatory authorities.
Health Secretary calls meeting over cough syrup deaths in Madhya Pradesh
Meanwhile, demands for a nationwide ban on Coldrif cough syrup have intensified, with health experts and child rights activists urging the government to strengthen drug safety protocols. The state health department has directed that all products of Srisun Pharmaceuticals be immediately tested and withdrawn from sale until they are certified safe for use.
This incident is reminiscent of earlier pharmaceutical tragedies where contamination with industrial chemicals led to multiple child deaths, raising questions about the efficacy of India’s drug monitoring system. The arrest of Govindan is seen as a step toward accountability, but the case continues to underscore the urgent need for stronger oversight in the country’s pharmaceutical manufacturing sector.
