Coldrif syrup tragedy: Tamil Nadu pharma firm owner in custody
Madhya Pradesh Police arrested S. Ranganathan, owner of Chennai-based pharma firm Sresan, on Wednesday night in connection with the Coldrif cough syrup tragedy. The arrest came after investigators linked the syrup to the deaths of 19 children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
Soon after the arrest, police said Ranganathan would appear before a Chennai court today. Once they secure a transit remand, he will be taken to Chhindwara for further questioning. Police had detained him earlier for interrogation.
The investigation began after reports of child deaths surfaced in Chhindwara, Betul, and Pandhurna districts. Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister Rajendra Shukla confirmed that twenty children had died after consuming Coldrif syrup, while five others remain under treatment. Seventeen deaths occurred in Chhindwara, two in Betul, and one in Pandhurna.
Following these reports, the Union Health Ministry tested the syrup. Investigators found that Coldrif contained diethylene glycol (DEG), a highly toxic industrial solvent. Experts warned that even small amounts of DEG can cause severe kidney failure and death. Tests also showed the syrup samples were adulterated.
After confirming contamination, the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department ordered an immediate halt to production. Officials collected samples from the firm’s Sunguvarchatram unit in Kancheepuram, which supplies Coldrif to Puducherry, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and other regions.
Meanwhile, several states banned the sale and distribution of the cough syrup. The Tamil Nadu government prohibited its sale from October 1 and directed retailers to remove all stocks from the market.
Police launched a manhunt for Ranganathan after linking his firm to the deaths. They also announced a ₹20,000 reward for information leading to his arrest. Authorities believe the firm violated safety norms and ignored manufacturing guidelines.
As the case unfolds, officials are tracing Coldrif’s distribution chain to identify other responsible parties. Investigators aim to find out whether the company’s quality checks failed or if contamination occurred during production.
Meanwhile, parents of the victims continue to demand strict punishment for those responsible. Local health officers are visiting affected villages to monitor surviving children and collect additional samples for lab testing.
The tragedy has reignited concerns over drug safety and regulatory oversight in India. Experts say the incident mirrors earlier cases where toxic syrups killed children in The Gambia and Uzbekistan. They have urged authorities to strengthen quality control and enforce strict penalties for violations.
As investigations deepen, both central and state governments are under pressure to ensure accountability. Ranganathan’s arrest marks a key step, but families await justice for the young lives lost to a syrup meant to heal, not harm.
