Coldrif Cough Syrup Manufacturer Arrested: Owner Charged in Fatal Adulteration Case Linked to Children's Deaths

Ranganathan Govindan had been on the run since the cough syrup tragedy.

Chennai/Bhopal:

The owner of the Tamil Nadu-based pharmaceuticals company that manufactured the adulterated Coldrif cough syrup linked to dozens of children's deaths in several states has been arrested. A case was previously filed against Sresan Pharmaceuticals. Ranganathan Govindan, the company owner, was apprehended by Madhya Pradesh police in Chennai late last night as investigations continue into one of India's most disturbing drug scandals.

The state police had been searching for Govindan in connection with at least 20 children's deaths after they consumed the toxic syrup in the state. Beyond Madhya Pradesh, several deaths have also been connected to the syrup in Rajasthan. The affected children developed kidney infections after taking Coldrif.

Ranganathan faces charges of adulteration, culpable homicide not amounting to murder, and endangering children's safety, according to officials. He had previously denied all allegations and claimed investigations would vindicate him.

A Meticulously Planned Operation

Ranganathan Govindan had evaded authorities since the cough syrup tragedy began. A Rs 20,000 reward was announced for information leading to his arrest yesterday. He was ultimately captured in Chennai by Madhya Pradesh police, with assistance from local law enforcement, in a carefully orchestrated midnight operation.

A team of police officials and drug inspectors had been stationed in Chennai since October 5, just one day after a case was registered against the company regarding the deaths. The team monitored Ranganathan's vehicles and residence before executing the arrest operation, according to police sources. Ranganathan was apprehended around 1:30 am and taken to his company's Kancheepuram factory, where authorities seized important documents.

Exclusive: Coldrif Cough Syrup Contains Salt Banned 2 Years Ago For Children Under 4

Madhya Pradesh police are now pursuing a transit remand from a Chennai court to transfer Ranganathan to Chhindwara, where most of the deaths occurred.

Police sources indicate that the investigation will now expand to examine the entire supply chain, including chemical suppliers, stockists, and medical representatives, to identify every participant in the network that allowed the dangerous syrup to reach unsuspecting parents and their children.

Toxic Substance In Coldrif

Coldrif is a medication prescribed for treating cold and cough symptoms, including runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, and watery eyes, in children. Syrup samples were declared adulterated by Tamil Nadu authorities earlier this month after being found to contain diethylene glycol (DEG). DEG is a poisonous substance used in manufacturing printing ink and glue that can cause severe kidney, liver, and nervous system damage in humans.

An inspection discovered unbilled containers of DEG at Sresan's factory in Kancheepuram and revealed that the company was adding 46-48% of DEG to the Coldrif cough syrup, far exceeding the permitted limit of only 0.1%. Following these findings, the Tamil Nadu Drugs Control Authority issued a stop-production order and froze all stocks. The company's license was suspended.

Read: Rust, Filth, Neglect: Factory Made 'Killer' Cough Syrup Despite Violations

Investigations have revealed that Sresan Pharmaceuticals was initially registered as a private firm in 1990. Though the company was struck off the Ministry of Corporate Affairs register, it continued operating under a proprietary structure, raising serious questions about regulatory oversight.

At least nine states have prohibited the syrup since the deaths were reported.

India's top drug regulator has acknowledged serious lapses in medicine manufacturing practices, with an advisory stating that inspections at multiple factories revealed that not every batch of raw materials and active ingredients was being tested by the companies.