S. Ranganathan, proprietor of Tamil Nadu–based Sresan Pharmaceuticals, was arrested by Madhya Pradesh police late on Wednesday evening in Chennai in connection with at least 20 child deaths linked to ingestion of the company’s “Coldrif” cough syrup. The arrest follows a ₹20,000 reward that had been announced for information leading to his capture.
Authorities allege that the pediatric medicine was contaminated with diethylene glycol (DEG) — a toxic industrial chemical — leading to acute kidney damage and ultimately fatalities. Victims reportedly developed severe renal complications after consuming the syrup.
“Coldrif was found to contain DEG levels as high as 48 %, whereas regulatory standards allow only 0.1 %,” said a source within the investigation, adding the company’s manufacturing processes lacked Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certification.
Factory Violations and Regulatory Action
In Kancheepuram district, inspection by the Tamil Nadu Drugs Control Authority uncovered massive regulatory infractions at the Sresan facility. The plant reportedly used DEG at dangerously high concentrations and operated without necessary GMP accreditation.
Following the inspection, authorities suspended the company’s license, seized existing stock, and halted all production. At least nine states have banned the sale of Coldrif. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has also acknowledged severe lapses in oversight, noting that multiple pharmaceutical units failed to perform mandatory quality testing on ingredients and finished products.
Broader Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The CBI and state agencies are probing whether other empanelled manufacturers or officials were complicit. Oversight mechanisms within regulatory bodies are under scrutiny for possible negligence or collusion.
Ranganathan is expected to be presented before a Chennai court for formalities and later transferred to Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, to face trial there under transit remand.
Public Health Fallout & Response
The case has triggered a nationwide alarm over pharmaceutical safety protocols. India has declared Coldrif, along with two other syrups — Respifresh TR and ReLife — as toxic after tests revealed similar contamination. Health authorities have urged consumers across states to avoid these products pending further investigation.
In Madhya Pradesh, health authorities confirmed the confirmed death toll has risen (some reports now tallying 21 children) and have ordered seizures of all Coldrif stocks, pending forensic testing. State Health Minister Rajendra Shukla condemned the tragedy, asserting that “the guilty will not be spared.”
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