Cold Rif Cough Syrup Owner Arrested After Children Death

Post by : Raina Nasser

The owner of Tamil Nadu-based Sresan Pharmaceuticals, linked to the toxic Coldrif cough syrup that caused dozens of children’s deaths in India, has been arrested. Ranganathan Govindan was taken into custody by Madhya Pradesh police in Chennai late at night after being on the run for days.

The deadly syrup, prescribed to treat cold and cough symptoms in children, was found to contain diethylene glycol (DEG), a poisonous substance used in making glue and printing ink, far beyond safe limits. This chemical can cause severe kidney, liver, and nervous system damage.

Govindan faces charges including adulteration, culpable homicide not amounting to murder, and endangering children’s safety. Earlier investigations linked the syrup to at least 20 deaths in Madhya Pradesh and more cases in Rajasthan.

Authorities launched a meticulously planned midnight operation in Chennai to arrest Govindan. Police and drug inspectors had been monitoring his movements since October 5, tracking his vehicles and residence before the arrest around 1:30 am. Officials also seized crucial documents from the company’s Kancheepuram factory, where illegal containers of DEG were found.

The Tamil Nadu Drugs Control Authority had earlier declared the syrup adulterated and suspended the company’s license, issuing a stop-production order. Investigations revealed that Sresan Pharmaceuticals, first registered in 1990, continued operations despite being struck off the official register, raising questions about regulatory oversight.

Nine states in India have banned Coldrif syrup following the deaths. Authorities are now investigating the entire supply chain, including chemical suppliers, stockists, and medical representatives, to prevent further tragedies.

This incident has sparked widespread concern over drug safety and regulatory lapses in India, highlighting the importance of strict quality control in pharmaceuticals, especially those for children.