Chhindwara/Bhopal, Oct 9: Madhya Pradesh police have arrested S Ranganathan, owner of Tamil Nadu-based Sresan Pharma, the manufacturer of Coldrif cough syrup linked to the deaths of 20 children in the state. The arrest was confirmed by officials on Thursday.
The Chhindwara Superintendent of Police said Ranganathan will be presented before a Chennai court and subsequently brought to Chhindwara after securing transit remand.
Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister Rajendra Shukla confirmed that 20 children have died after consuming Coldrif syrup, while five others are receiving treatment. Of the deceased, 17 were from Chhindwara, two from Betul, and one from Pandhurna district.
“20 children have lost their lives in this tragic incident across Chhindwara, Betul, and Pandhurna districts. Strict action is being taken. Police teams have reached Chennai and Kanchipuram to arrest the manufacturer,” Shukla told reporters.
The incident has sparked protests by doctors and representatives of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) in Chhindwara, demanding the release of Dr. Praveen Soni, a government paediatrician who was recently jailed in connection with the deaths. Dr. Soni, previously suspended, is currently in 14-day judicial custody.
Following the tragedy, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav convened a high-level meeting in Bhopal, ordering the suspension of two drug inspectors, the Deputy Director of Food and Drug Administration, and the transfer of a drug controller. He also directed a ban on Coldrif syrup, seizure of existing stock from shops, and a campaign to recover the drug from households in affected districts.
The case continues to unfold as authorities investigate the role of the manufacturer and other parties involved in the distribution of the toxic syrup.