Lagatar24 Desk
Chennai: The owner of Sresan Pharmaceuticals, manufacturer of Coldrif cough syrup, has been arrested in connection with the deaths of at least 21 children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. The toxic syrup was found to contain dangerously high levels of diethylene glycol, leading authorities to permanently shut down the company.
Ranganathan Arrested In Chennai
Ranganathan, the owner of the pharmaceutical firm, was arrested late Wednesday night from his residence in Kodambakkam, Chennai. He was detained for questioning by Madhya Pradesh Police and will be taken to Chhindwara district—where most of the deaths were reported—after securing transit remand. A joint team from Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu police carried out the operation, subsequently escorting him to his factory in Sunguvarchatram, Kancheepuram, for further questioning. More arrests are expected.
Shocking Violations At Factory
A damning 26-page report by the Tamil Nadu Drugs Control Department exposed appalling conditions at the Kancheepuram manufacturing unit. Inspectors documented over 350 violations, including rusted equipment, unhygienic production spaces, and the use of non-pharma-grade chemicals. Up to 48% of the toxic industrial solvent diethylene glycol was added to the syrup, far exceeding the permissible limit of 0.1%. The factory lacked GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certification but continued producing and distributing the drug.
Nationwide Fallout And Regulatory Action
The syrup was supplied to multiple states, including Odisha and Puducherry. Following the discovery, the Tamil Nadu Drugs Control Department suspended the company’s license and issued a stop-production order. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has recommended permanent cancellation of the license. Officials clarified that while state drug controllers are responsible for regulatory oversight, the final decision on license cancellation rests with them.
