Should Karti Chidambaram's Call for Probe into Cough Syrup Deaths Be Heeded?
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Synopsis
Congress MP Karti Chidambaram has raised alarms over the tragic deaths of 22 children linked to a contaminated cough syrup in Tamil Nadu. He demands accountability and thorough investigation into this public health crisis. Will the government take action to prevent such negligence in the future?
Key Takeaways
- 22 children died due to contaminated cough syrup.
- Karti Chidambaram demands accountability.
- ED is investigating Sresan Pharmaceuticals.
- Over 300 safety violations found in the manufacturing process.
- Diethylene glycol in syrup linked to kidney failure.
Chennai, Oct 14 (NationPress) Congress MP Karti Chidambaram has called for an extensive investigation into the tragic deaths of 22 children, reportedly linked to a contaminated cough syrup produced in Tamil Nadu. Labeling the incident as an "unforgivable public health disaster," he insisted that the government must establish accountability at every level to prevent such negligence from happening again.
In a pointed statement, Karti emphasized the need for the government to follow the supply chain of the contaminated drugs to pinpoint where the failures occurred. "How did this medication pass quality control? Were adequate quality checks performed? Who endorsed this product as safe? Each of these inquiries must be thoroughly examined," he urged.
The Congress MP underscored that the deaths of more than 20 children should not be treated as mere statistics. His comments arise amid heightened investigations into Sresan Pharmaceuticals, the Tamil Nadu-based firm responsible for manufacturing Coldrif cough syrup, which is at the center of this tragedy.
On the previous day, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) executed searches at seven locations throughout Chennai, including the residence of the company owner S. Ranganathan and the offices of senior officials from the Tamil Nadu Drug Control Department. This was part of a money laundering investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The ED's actions followed the arrest of Ranganathan (75) by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) from Madhya Pradesh, with support from Chennai Police, on October 9. He had gone into hiding after reports surfaced regarding child fatalities in Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh.
Subsequent inspections at the company’s manufacturing plant in Kancheepuram uncovered over 300 safety and regulatory infractions, including the use of non-pharmaceutical grade chemicals.
Laboratory tests in Chennai verified that the syrup contained 48.6 percent diethylene glycol (DEG), a highly toxic industrial solvent linked to kidney failure. Officials suspect that cost-cutting measures led to the use of inferior ingredients, culminating in this deadly contamination.
Point of View
I believe it is crucial that the government takes immediate action in response to Karti Chidambaram's call for an investigation into this deeply concerning public health crisis. The loss of young lives is a tragedy that demands accountability and reform in our health regulations.
NationPress
14/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the deaths of the children?
The deaths are linked to a contaminated cough syrup reportedly manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceuticals in Tamil Nadu.
What action has Karti Chidambaram called for?
He has called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths and accountability for the involved parties.
What were the findings from the inspections?
Inspections revealed over 300 safety violations, including the use of non-pharmaceutical grade chemicals in the syrup.
What is diethylene glycol and why is it dangerous?
Diethylene glycol (DEG) is a toxic industrial solvent known to cause kidney failure, which was found in high concentrations in the contaminated syrup.
How has the government responded to the situation?
The Enforcement Directorate is conducting a money laundering investigation and has carried out searches related to the case.
