Chennai/Bhopal, October 8: In a major development, Tamil Nadu-based pharmaceutical owner S Ranganathan was arrested by Madhya Pradesh police in connection with the deaths of 19 children allegedly caused by the consumption of Coldrif cough syrup.
Ranganathan, who owns Sresan Pharmaceuticals, was detained in Chennai and will be produced before a local court before being taken to Chhindwara on a transit remand, officials confirmed.
Coldrif Cough Syrup Tragedy: What Happened
The Coldrif syrup, manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceuticals, has been linked to the deaths of 20 children across Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Health authorities say the syrup contained diethylene glycol (DEG) — a toxic industrial solvent known to cause kidney failure and death when ingested.
According to Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister Rajendra Shukla,
“Twenty children have died in the state after consuming the Coldrif syrup, while five others are under treatment.”
Of these deaths, 17 occurred in Chhindwara, two in Betul, and one in Pandhurna.
Arrest and Investigation
The Chhindwara Superintendent of Police, Ajay Pandey, said Ranganathan will be taken to Madhya Pradesh for further questioning once the transit remand is granted. Authorities had earlier announced a ₹20,000 reward for his capture.
The Union Health Ministry confirmed that Coldrif samples tested positive for adulteration with DEG, prompting immediate bans and factory shutdown orders.
Ban and Legal Action Against Coldrif
Following the confirmation of contamination, the Tamil Nadu government banned the sale and distribution of Coldrif syrup on October 1 and ordered all existing stocks to be removed from the market.
The Food Safety and Drug Administration Department (FSDA) reported on October 4 that samples from the company’s Sunguvarchatram (Kancheepuram) manufacturing unit were adulterated, leading to an immediate halt in production.
Several states — including Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Puducherry — have also suspended Coldrif sales pending the probe.
Toxic Chemical Behind the Deaths: Diethylene Glycol (DEG)
DEG, a colorless and sweet-tasting chemical, is often used in industrial products such as antifreeze and solvents. However, when used in medicines, it can lead to acute kidney injury, organ failure, and death, especially in children.
Health experts have called for strict regulation and frequent quality checks in the Indian pharmaceutical industry to prevent such tragedies in the future.
