Chennai, India – Ranganathan Govindan, the 75-year-old owner of Sresan Pharmaceuticals, has been remanded to 10-day police custody by a Madhya Pradesh court in connection with the deaths of children allegedly linked to the company's Coldrif cough syrup. Govindan was arrested in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and the arrest follows an investigation into the deaths of multiple children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan who consumed the syrup.
The case against Govindan was filed after authorities discovered that the Coldrif cough syrup contained diethylene glycol, a toxic substance, far exceeding permissible limits. This contamination is believed to be the primary cause of the children's deaths, with victims suffering from kidney infections after consuming the syrup. Authorities in several states, including Madhya Pradesh, have ordered the immediate halt of sales and distribution of Coldrif Cough Syrup.
Govindan faces charges including adulteration, culpable homicide not amounting to murder, and endangering the safety of children. Following the incident, Govindan had reportedly been evading authorities. A reward of Rs 20,000 was offered for information leading to his arrest. He was apprehended in a meticulously planned midnight operation in Chennai by a joint team of Madhya Pradesh and local police.
The arrest occurred after a team comprising police officials and drug inspectors had been stationed in Chennai since October 5, a day after a formal case was registered against Sresan Pharmaceuticals. Samples taken from the company had earlier raised concerns about potential toxic contamination. Sresan Pharmaceutical Manufacturer, is located in the Kancheepuram district.
The Supreme Court dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking an inquiry and systemic reform in drug safety mechanisms following the deaths. The Solicitor General argued that states are already taking action and have enforcement mechanisms in place. The bench dismissed the PIL after initially considering issuing a notice, with the Solicitor General asserting that states like Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh are responding seriously to the situation.
