In a shocking development, S Ranganathan, the owner of Sresan Pharmaceuticals, a Tamil Nadu-based firm, has been arrested in Chennai in connection with the deaths of at least 20 children caused by the toxic cough syrup Coldrif. He was taken into custody by the Madhya Pradesh police and will be produced before a Chennai court today, officials confirmed.
Children’s Deaths Linked to Toxic Coldrif Syrup
The Coldrif cough syrup, manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceuticals, has been linked to the deaths of children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. According to Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister Rajendra Shukla, 20 children lost their lives after consuming the syrup — 17 in Chhindwara, 2 in Betul, and 1 in Pandhurna. Five other children are currently undergoing treatment.
The Union Health Ministry confirmed that the syrup contained diethylene glycol (DEG) — a toxic industrial solvent. Even small amounts of DEG can be fatal, causing severe kidney damage and infections in children.
Nationwide Ban and Factory Shutdown
Following the deaths, several states have banned the sale and distribution of Coldrif. The Tamil Nadu government issued a statewide ban on October 1, ordering the immediate withdrawal of all existing stocks.
The Food Safety and Drug Administration Department later revealed that samples collected from the Sresan Pharmaceuticals manufacturing unit in Sunguvarchatram, Kancheepuram, were adulterated. The company was directed to stop production immediately.
Police Action and Investigation
Chhindwara Superintendent of Police Ajay Pandey confirmed that Ranganathan’s transit remand will be obtained before transferring him to Madhya Pradesh. Authorities had earlier announced a ₹20,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.
The Coldrif syrup was reportedly supplied to Puducherry, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and other regions, widening the investigation’s scope.
