Cough syrup tragedy: ED action on Sresan Pharma continues in Chennai
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday launched searches at seven locations in Chennai linked to Sresan Pharmaceuticals, the maker of Coldrif cough syrup. The searches form part of a money laundering probe into the deaths of several children in Madhya Pradesh.
The Coldrif tragedy began in Chhindwara’s Parasia town, where several children fell ill after consuming the syrup. Many suffered kidney damage, and at least 22 died. Investigators later found the syrup contained toxic levels of diethylene glycol, a chemical used in antifreeze. Following the findings, several states banned the product.
As the probe widened, ED teams reached multiple sites, including Sresan’s manufacturing unit and the homes of senior officials from Tamil Nadu’s Drug Control Department. Sources said the agency also searched the residence of the department’s acting director, who was earlier caught taking a bribe. “The ED is tracking money trails, company employees, and drug control officers involved in the case,” an official said.
The investigation follows two FIRs. Madhya Pradesh Police filed the first case against Sresan Pharma, accusing it of selling adulterated drugs that caused the children’s deaths. The Tamil Nadu government filed the second after arresting the acting Drugs Control Director in a bribery case. Both cases listed scheduled offences under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, prompting the ED to register an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR).
Officials said the profits from selling the toxic cough syrup qualify as proceeds of crime. They also claimed that drug officers failed in their duty by skipping regular inspections, allowing the production of contaminated medicine.
Meanwhile, the Madhya Pradesh Police last week arrested Sresan Pharma’s owner, G. Ranganathan, from his apartment in Chennai. A seven-member team flew him to Chhindwara, where a local court granted 10 days of police custody. Ranganathan told the court that he had manufactured Coldrif for years without complaints.
The deaths sparked outrage and raised concerns about lax drug regulation. The Centre directed all state governments to intensify quality checks on pharmaceuticals. The ED’s ongoing searches aim to uncover the financial network behind the production and sale of the tainted medicine.
As the investigation deepens, authorities are focusing on accountability. The tragedy has already exposed gaps in drug oversight and enforcement, turning a medical failure into a national issue demanding urgent reform.
