MP: Doctor arrested after 14 children die from contaminated syrup
What's the story
A doctor in Madhya Pradesh's Chhindwara district was arrested on Saturday night after 14 children died from a contaminated cough syrup. Dr Praveen Soni, who prescribed the Coldrif syrup, was taken into custody following an FIR filed against him and Sresun Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of the product. The case is registered under Section 27(A) of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and Sections 105 and 276 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Toxic findings
Coldrif syrup had 48.6% DEG
A lab report confirmed that Coldrif syrup had 48.6% Diethylene Glycol (DEG), a toxic substance that can lead to kidney failure and death. Dr Soni had prescribed this syrup to most of the affected children, prompting an investigation into his practices and those of Sresun Pharmaceuticals. The Madhya Pradesh government has since banned the sale and distribution of Coldrif cough syrup after tests found poisonous substances in samples from the same batch linked to these deaths.
Widespread impact
Ban extends to other products made by Sresun Pharmaceuticals
The ban also extends to other products made by Sresun Pharmaceuticals, which is under investigation in Tamil Nadu. The state had banned Coldrif on October 1 after preliminary reports linked it to the deaths of at least 12 children across Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. District Magistrate Harendra Narayan revealed that tests showed a dangerously high level of toxicity in the syrup: 48.6%, instead of the 1% limit.
Legal proceedings
Legal action initiated against all parties involved
In light of these findings, legal action has been initiated against all parties involved in this case. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav also announced an ex-gratia of ₹4 lakh each for the families of deceased children. Senior Congress leader Kamal Nath demanded ₹50 lakh compensation per family affected by kidney failure due to adulterated cough syrup consumption.