Coldrif Cough Syrup Tragedy: 20 Children Dead as Sresan Pharma Owner Faces Police Custody

Ranganathan, the owner of Sresan Pharma, was presented before the Parasia court and subsequently remanded to 10-day police custody in relation to the investigation of child fatalities allegedly caused by Coldrif cough syrup consumption.

Chhindwara Superintendent of Police Ajay Pandey confirmed on Thursday that the Special Investigation Team had successfully apprehended Ranganathan. "The SIT from Chhindwara arrested Sresan Pharma owner Ranganathan late at night. Following standard procedures, he will undergo medical examination and other necessary formalities in Chennai before being transported to Chhindwara," Pandey stated.

In protest against the sealing of numerous medical establishments in the district on Wednesday, the Chhindwara Chemist Association has initiated an indefinite strike.

Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister Rajendra Shukla revealed on Wednesday that 20 children have died after consuming Coldrif cough syrup, while five others are currently receiving medical treatment. Of the deceased children, 17 were from Chhindwara district, two from Betul district, and one from Pandhurna district.

"The unfortunate incident has claimed 20 young lives across Chhindwara, Betul, and Pandhurna districts. The state government is taking stringent measures. Police teams from Chhindwara have been dispatched to Chennai and Kanchipuram to apprehend the Coldrif manufacturing company owner, and rigorous action is being implemented," Shukla informed reporters.

In response to the situation, the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has issued comprehensive directives to all States and Union Territories, mandating strict adherence to the Drugs Rules, 1945, particularly regarding the testing of raw materials and finished pharmaceutical products.

In a letter dated October 7, DCGI Dr. Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi stressed the "critical importance of testing new materials, including excipients, prior to their utilization in pharmaceutical formulation manufacturing."