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Pharma Owner Arrested Over Toxic Coldrif Cough Syrup Deaths

Anil Vanna — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 05:46:55 +0000

In a major breakthrough, Madhya Pradesh Police arrested G. Ranganathan, owner of the Chennai-based pharmaceutical firm Coldrif, from his home in Kodambakkam. The arrest took place early Thursday as part of a nationwide probe into the deaths of children linked to a toxic cough syrup.

At least 20 children across Madhya Pradesh reportedly died after consuming Coldrif syrup, manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceuticals in Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu. Tests confirmed the presence of diethylene glycol (DEG), a poisonous chemical used in paints and inks. DEG ingestion can cause severe kidney failure, a condition seen among several victims.

Health officials said over 40 children remain under observation in hospitals across Ujjain, Guna, and Shivpuri. The state government immediately banned Coldrif’s sale, while the Union Health Ministry ordered all states to seize its stock and halt distribution. Tamil Nadu’s Drug Control Department has also begun statewide raids to remove the product from markets.

Investigators suspect violations of manufacturing norms and safety protocols. Police confirmed that Ranganathan will be taken to Madhya Pradesh for interrogation. Authorities continue to determine whether negligence or falsified safety certificates led to the tragic deaths.

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20 Children Die in Madhya Pradesh: Government Negligence Under Scrutiny

Amar Desai — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 05:22:51 +0000

Bhopal: The deaths of 20 children in Madhya Pradesh allegedly due to Coldfif Cough Syrup have sparked outrage, with questions being raised about government negligence. Although the tragic deaths were reported on September 19, authorities delayed their response.

Shockingly, the syrup samples were sent from Chhindwara to Bhopal — a distance of just 300 km — only on September 29 via registered post, reaching the lab after three days instead of within hours. Critics say this delay reflects serious lapses in the investigation process. Despite pending lab results, the state Health Minister prematurely declared on October 1 and 3 that the syrup was safe.

The sequence of events has fueled allegations of a cover-up and administrative failure. Public health activists are demanding a judicial probe, citing the incident as yet another example of weak drug regulation and government apathy toward child safety.

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Telangana Government Bans Two Cough Syrups Found Containing Toxic Chemical

Amar Desai — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 08:53:23 +0000

Hyderabad: The Telangana government has imposed an immediate ban on two cough syrups — Relife CF and Respifresh-TR — after laboratory tests confirmed the presence of a highly toxic substance, Diethylene Glycol (DEG). Health officials warned that DEG is a poisonous compound that can cause serious health complications, including kidney and liver damage, if consumed.

The government has instructed pharmacies and distributors across the state to stop the sale and distribution of these syrups immediately. Citizens have been advised to check labels carefully and avoid using these medicines. Authorities are also conducting inspections to remove the banned products from medical stores.

The Health Department emphasized that strict action will be taken against manufacturers and dealers violating the ban, underscoring the state’s commitment to ensuring drug safety and protecting public health.

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