Chhindwara, MP – In the ongoing investigation into the tragic deaths of 24 children in Madhya Pradesh, allegedly linked to the consumption of a contaminated cough syrup, police have arrested a medical representative associated with Sresan Pharma, the Tamil Nadu-based manufacturer of the now-banned Coldrif syrup. The arrest occurred on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, intensifying the scrutiny surrounding the incident.
The implicated cough syrup, Coldrif, came under suspicion after numerous children in Madhya Pradesh fell ill, with many developing severe kidney infections, ultimately leading to their deaths. Preliminary investigations revealed the presence of toxic components, including a high concentration of diethylene glycol (DEG) in the syrup. DEG is a toxic substance that can cause kidney failure and death, especially in young children. Following the fatalities, the Tamil Nadu government revoked Sresan Pharma's manufacturing license and shut down the company.
The arrest of the medical representative follows the earlier arrest of Dr. Praveen Soni, a pediatrician from Chhindwara, who prescribed the Coldrif syrup to many of the affected children. Dr. Soni's arrest sparked widespread outrage among the medical community, with organizations like the Indian Medical Association (IMA) strongly condemning the action. The IMA, representing over 400,000 doctors, argued that the onus of responsibility lies with the manufacturers and regulatory authorities, citing potential incompetence and inadequacy in the drug regulatory system. They demanded immediate action against the actual culprits and compensation for the affected families and Dr. Soni, whom they consider a victim of defamation.
Thousands of government doctors across Madhya Pradesh held symbolic protests, wearing black ribbons, to demonstrate against what they deemed the "illegal arrest" of Dr. Soni. They argued that he was being made a scapegoat while systemic failures in quality control and drug approval processes were being ignored. Concerns were also raised regarding the affordability of the prescribed syrup. Coldrif was chosen by Dr. Soni because it was cheaper for his patients.
The broader implications of the tragedy have prompted investigations and actions beyond Madhya Pradesh. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued notices to the governments of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, urging investigations into the deaths linked to cough syrup consumption. States like Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala have also banned Coldrif.
This incident has ignited a debate about accountability within the pharmaceutical industry and the effectiveness of drug regulation in India. The medical community is calling for stringent measures, including a legal framework mandating capital punishment for those manufacturing toxic drugs, to prevent future tragedies and ensure public health and safety.
