Kathmandu – Madhya Pradesh Police have arrested S. Ranganathan, the owner of Chennai-based Shree Saan Pharma, for allegedly manufacturing and distributing a contaminated batch of cough syrup linked to the deaths of at least 20 children.
The company stands accused of producing and supplying a batch of “Coldrif” cough syrup, which reportedly contained dangerously high levels of diethylene glycol (DEG) a toxic chemical known to cause acute kidney failure. Following multiple child deaths in Chhindwara district, authorities launched a thorough investigation into the medicine.
The fatalities, mostly reported from Parasia town since early September, raised red flags after several children fell ill and later died from kidney-related complications. A 12-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed on October 5 to probe the alarming pattern. After the initial six child deaths, the district administration began cracking down on the sale and distribution of the syrup.
Subsequent laboratory tests conducted by the Tamil Nadu Drug Control Department confirmed the presence of 48.6% diethylene glycol in the syrup—an unacceptably high and lethal concentration. The same chemical was previously responsible for child deaths in Gambia, Uzbekistan, and parts of India.
Authorities say the toxic syrup was manufactured in Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu, and was being sold in Chhindwara and neighboring towns. After the lab findings were confirmed, the Madhya Pradesh Drug Control Department officially banned the sale of the syrup on October 4.
Police have filed an FIR against multiple parties, including government medical officer Dr. Praveen Soni and senior management of Shree Saan Pharmaceuticals. Ranganathan, who was arrested in Chennai, is currently undergoing medical examination and will be transported to Madhya Pradesh for further legal proceedings.
This case has reignited urgent concerns about pharmaceutical regulation and enforcement in India, especially concerning drugs intended for children.
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