Tamil Nadu Pharma Owner Arrested Over Toxic Coldrif Syrup Deaths

The owner of Sresan Pharmaceuticals, the company behind the adulterated Coldrif cough syrup linked to multiple child deaths, has been arrested. Ranganathan Govindan was taken into custody by Madhya Pradesh police in Chennai late last night as investigations continue into one of India’s most shocking drug scandals.

Investigation Details and Arrest Operation

Ranganathan had been on the run following reports connecting Coldrif syrup to at least 20 deaths in Madhya Pradesh, with additional fatalities in Rajasthan. Children who consumed the syrup suffered severe kidney infections.

Charged with adulteration, culpable homicide not amounting to murder, and endangering children's safety, Govindan had previously denied wrongdoing. Authorities conducted a meticulously planned midnight operation on October 6, following a day-long search and surveillance of his residence and vehicles. He was arrested around 1:30 am and taken to the company’s Kancheepuram factory, where crucial documents were seized. Madhya Pradesh police are seeking transit remand from a Chennai court to bring him to Chhindwara, the epicenter of the deaths.

Officials indicate that the probe will now extend to the full supply chain, including chemical suppliers, stockists, and medical representatives, to identify all parties responsible for allowing the toxic syrup to reach children.

Toxic Substance in Coldrif

Coldrif syrup, prescribed for cold and cough symptoms in children, was found to contain diethylene glycol (DEG), a toxic substance used in printing ink and glue. DEG can cause severe kidney, liver, and nervous system damage. Inspections revealed that the syrup contained 46–48% DEG, far above the permitted limit of 0.1%.

Following the discovery, Tamil Nadu authorities issued a stop-production order, froze all stocks, and suspended the company’s license. Investigations have revealed that Sresan Pharmaceuticals, first registered in 1990, continued operating despite being struck off the Ministry of Corporate Affairs register, raising questions about regulatory oversight.

Regulatory Response

At least nine states have banned Coldrif since the deaths were reported. India’s central drug regulator has acknowledged serious lapses in medicine manufacturing practices, highlighting that not all batches of raw materials and active ingredients were being properly tested.

The incident has triggered nationwide scrutiny of pharmaceutical manufacturing standards, with authorities pledging stricter oversight to prevent similar tragedies in the future.