Tamil Nadu

Chennai, Tamil Nadu — In a dramatic development, Tamil Nadu police have arrested S. Ranganathan (also named G. Ranganathan in some reports), the owner of Sresan Pharmaceuticals, in connection with the tragic deaths of children linked to a cough syrup called Coldrif.

This arrest follows the alarming reports that the syrup, consumed by infants and young children, was contaminated with a highly toxic chemical. The deaths have raised serious questions over pharmaceutical regulation, safety protocols, and accountability.

What Happened:

The Syrup and the Deaths

Over recent weeks, numerous children under the age of five died after taking the Coldrif cough syrup in Madhya Pradesh.

Medical and laboratory investigations revealed that Coldrif was contaminated with diethylene glycol (DEG)—a poison used industrially as an antifreeze, not suitable for medicines—at levels many times above permitted limits.

Because of this contamination, the children suffered severe kidney damage and organ failure.

In light of the findings, the Indian government declared Coldrif, along with two other cough syrups, as toxic and banned them.

The Arrest:

How and Where

Ranganathan was arrested in Chennai (Kodambakkam area) late at night, in a covert operation by Madhya Pradesh police in coordination with local authorities.

Officials say the police tracked his movements, cyber activity, and residence to plan the arrest.

After his arrest, he is to be produced before the Chhindwara District Court in Madhya Pradesh under tight security.

Authorities also seized documents and records from his factories in Tamil Nadu and other premises to trace the supply chain of the syrup.

The Scale of the Tragedy

Initially, at least 17 children died in Madhya Pradesh after consuming Coldrif.

Later reports increased the count to 20 or even 21 in some districts.

Some of the children died in government hospitals; others succumbed in local health centres with severe kidney injury.

The loss has shaken many families and raised public outrage across states. Many are demanding justice, accountability, and stricter regulation in drug manufacturing.

Government Reaction & Safety Measures

Health officials in Madhya Pradesh and center have responded swiftly:

• The distribution and sale of Coldrif have been banned across affected states.
• The government has ordered seizures of existing stocks of the syrup.
• Special investigative teams have been formed to examine every step — from raw chemical sourcing, manufacturing, storage, to distribution.
• The regulatory body, Drugs Controller General of India and state drug agencies, are also inspecting other pharmaceutical firms and their cough syrups.

Witnessing the severity of the case, the Health Minister of Madhya Pradesh declared that no guilty party will be spared.

Regulatory Concerns and Public Outcry

This incident has exposed gaps in India’s drug regulation and monitoring system. The World Health Organization has flagged this as a “regulatory gap.”

Many wonder how a syrup with such lethal contamination passed through quality checks, reached pharmacy shelves, and ended up in children’s hands.

Opposition leaders and social groups have slammed the government’s negligence in protecting citizens, especially children. Some are demanding compensations for affected families.

There is also pressure on doctors and medical professionals: some may face scrutiny for prescribing the syrup, though many argue they trusted it was safe.

What Happens Next?

Now that Ranganathan is in custody, the focus will shift to:

1. Interrogation & Court Proceedings
   He will be presented before the court in Chhindwara and may be questioned about how the syrup was made, who all were involved, and how it circulated.
2. Tracing the Supply Chain
   Authorities will try to locate all parties: raw material suppliers, distributors, transporters, wholesalers. Every link will be under scrutiny.
3. Regulatory Reforms
   The government may tighten quality control standards, surprise inspections, third-party lab tests, and stricter penalties.
4. Compensation & Relief
   Many demand that the victims’ families be compensated and supported by the state. Political parties have already made demands.
5. Public Awareness & Vigilance
   The case has stirred media and public attention. People are being urged to check the medicines they buy and report suspicious drugs.

This tragic episode is a reminder of how fragile public trust is in medical products. The arrest of a prominent pharma owner shows that authorities are taking the charges seriously—but much more must be done to ensure the safety of medicines, especially those meant for children.