In the ongoing investigation into the Coldrif cough syrup tragedy, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) from Madhya Pradesh has taken G. Ranganathan, the owner of Sresan Pharmaceuticals, to his company's manufacturing unit in Tamil Nadu for inspection. Ranganathan was arrested on Thursday morning from his residence in Chennai in connection with the deaths of at least 20 children in Madhya Pradesh who consumed Coldrif, a cough syrup manufactured by his firm.

The Madhya Pradesh government swiftly banned the sale and distribution of Coldrif following the deaths. The Union Health Ministry directed all states to suspend the syrup's sale and seize existing stock. Tamil Nadu's Drug Control Department initiated statewide raids, suspecting that over 2,000 bottles of Coldrif might still be available in the market. District drug inspectors were instructed to confiscate the medicine and send samples for analysis.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has sought clarification from India regarding whether the contaminated Coldrif syrup was exported and has flagged regulatory gaps in testing medicines sold domestically for toxins. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) informed the WHO that diethylene glycol was detected in Coldrif, Respifresh TR, and ReLife cough syrups. The regulatory body stated that these products have been recalled, and manufacturers were instructed to cease production.

Following an inspection, the Tamil Nadu government banned the sale of Coldrif across the state from October 1 and ordered the removal of all existing stock from the market. Samples collected from the facility were later confirmed to be adulterated.

Inspectors uncovered over 350 violations and unhygienic practices at the Sresan Pharmaceutical plant in Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu. The Tamil Nadu Drugs Control Department's 26-page report detailed critical and major violations, concluding that the company lacked basic facilities, qualified personnel, and proper procedures to ensure product safety. The factory has been sealed by authorities.

Madhya Pradesh Minister Narendra Shivaji Patel blamed the Tamil Nadu government for "grave negligence," asserting that it was their responsibility to inspect medicines leaving the state. He added that while the MP government randomly inspects medicines entering the state, the contaminated cough syrup went untested by chance.

Sresan Pharmaceuticals holds a license to manufacture cough syrup until 2026. Health Minister Ma Subramanian blamed the central and Madhya Pradesh governments for not taking action after being informed that the cough syrup was contaminated. He mentioned that the MP government informed their TN counterparts on October 1 about the deaths, leading to an investigation that found the syrup unfit for consumption.