What Caused the MP Syrup Tragedy? Court Sends Pharma Proprietor to 10-Day Police Custody
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Synopsis
A district court in Madhya Pradesh has granted a 10-day police custody to Govindan Ranganathan, the owner of Sresan Pharma, after the tragic cough syrup incident that led to the death of 25 children. This shocking case raises serious questions about drug safety regulations and accountability in the pharmaceutical industry.
Key Takeaways
- Govindan Ranganathan has been remanded to police custody.
- 25 children have tragically lost their lives due to the adulterated syrup.
- The government has suspended several officials in response to the incident.
- Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the production of the tainted syrup.
- Calls for stricter regulations in the pharmaceutical industry are growing.
Chhindwara, Oct 10 (NationPress) In a significant development, a district court in Madhya Pradesh has placed Sresan Pharma owner Govindan Ranganathan in 10-day police custody linked to the tragic cough syrup incident that has claimed the lives of 25 children in the state.
On Thursday, Ranganathan was apprehended in Tamil Nadu and subsequently transported to Madhya Pradesh’s Chhindwara, where he appeared before the court under heavy police protection on Friday.
The cough syrup in question, Coldrif, has been implicated in the deaths of 23 children from Chhindwara alone, startling the local community, with many demanding capital punishment for Ranganathan.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Madhya Pradesh requested the court for a 10-day custody for further probe, a request that was approved, as shared by advocate Shyam Shahu to the media.
Prior to this, Ranganathan was flown from Chennai to Nagpur by the SIT team. From Nagpur Airport, he was driven to Chhindwara under stringent police surveillance around 7 a.m.
Reports indicate that Ranganathan attempted to evade arrest by going underground and planning to flee abroad. However, the SIT successfully tracked him down in Chennai, aided by a dedicated 12-member team formed by Chhindwara police.
The tragedy unfolded when 23 children from Madhya Pradesh consumed the adulterated syrup, with two additional fatalities recorded from Betul. Currently, five children affected by the tainted syrup are receiving medical attention at various hospitals in Nagpur.
In response to the devastating events, the government has suspended three officials: Shobhit Kosta, deputy drug controller of Drug Administration, Bhopal; Sharad Jain, drug inspector of Jabalpur; and Gaurav Sharma, drug inspector of Chhindwara.
The arrest on Thursday was a joint operation by the SIT of Madhya Pradesh and Chennai police. Following the arrest, Ranganathan was presented to the Saidapet magistrate court, which granted a transit remand before he was transferred to Chhindwara by Madhya Pradesh police.
In light of the incident, the Tamil Nadu government has ordered the closure of Sresan Pharma, which manufactured the lethal syrup, and is deliberating the permanent cancellation of the company's license.
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize the gravity of the situation. The loss of young lives due to negligence in drug manufacturing is unacceptable. It highlights the urgent need for stringent regulations and accountability in the pharmaceutical sector to prevent such tragedies in the future.
NationPress
11/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the deaths of the children in Madhya Pradesh?
The deaths were caused by consuming an adulterated cough syrup called Coldrif, manufactured by Sresan Pharma.
What actions have been taken against the responsible parties?
Govindan Ranganathan, the proprietor of Sresan Pharma, has been arrested and remanded to police custody for 10 days. Additionally, three officials have been suspended.
How many children were affected by the tainted syrup?
A total of 25 children have died due to the consumption of the adulterated syrup, with five currently receiving treatment.
What is the government's response to this tragedy?
The Tamil Nadu government has ordered the closure of Sresan Pharma and is considering permanently revoking the company's license.
What steps will be taken to prevent future incidents?
There is an ongoing investigation by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to ensure accountability and to reform drug safety regulations.
