Coldrip cough syrup deaths: Doctor, manufacturer booked; no arrest yet
Between early September and early October 2024, 11 children under five lost their lives in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh after taking Coldrif cough syrup.
Tests found the syrup—made by Sresan Pharmaceuticals in Tamil Nadu—was contaminated with diethylene glycol, a toxic chemical that caused deadly kidney failure.
Police have arrested Dr. Praveen Soni for negligence and have booked Sresan Pharmaceuticals under relevant sections of the law.
Investigation reveals unsafe manufacturing conditions at factory
Dr. Praveen Soni, who prescribed the syrup, was arrested for unauthorized private practice and negligence.
All Sresan Pharmaceuticals products are now banned across Madhya Pradesh, and the company faces serious legal charges.
Investigators discovered unsafe manufacturing conditions at the factory—including rusted equipment and unapproved chemicals—which led to dangerously high toxin levels in the medicine.
The state has announced ₹4 lakh compensation for each family affected and promised medical help for survivors.
This tragedy has sparked nationwide scrutiny of how medicines are made and sold in India.