The owner of Sresan Pharmaceuticals, G. Ranganathan, was arrested in Chennai after his company’s cough syrup, Coldrif, was linked to the deaths of more than 20 children in Madhya Pradesh. The victims, many under the age of five, reportedly died after consuming the syrup, which was found to contain diethylene glycol, a toxic industrial solvent.
Ranganathan, 73, was traced by a seven-member police team from Chhindwara, where most of the fatalities occurred. He is expected to be transferred to Madhya Pradesh after being produced before a local court in Chennai. Veteran industry figure Ranganathan now faces charges of negligence, adulteration, and culpable homicide, even as the incident renews calls for stricter drug manufacturing oversight in India, particularly for children’s medicines.
The tragedy came to light after multiple cases of sudden child deaths were reported in Chhindwara and neighbouring districts. Laboratory analysis confirmed that a batch of Coldrif contained dangerous levels of the chemical, often used in antifreeze, which can cause acute kidney failure and death.
Authorities allege the contamination resulted from negligent manufacturing and poor quality control. The Madhya Pradesh government has banned Coldrif, suspended two drug inspectors, and launched a door-to-door campaign to collect remaining bottles. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been established, and the World Health Organization (WHO) has requested details regarding the potential export of the syrup.
Health departments in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh have also issued alerts and banned the product. Other syrups are being tested nationwide for similar contamination.
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