Chennai / Chhindwara: In a major breakthrough, Madhya Pradesh Police arrested Ranganathan Govindan, the owner of Sresan Pharma, in Chennai late on Sunday night. The arrest comes after the shocking deaths of at least 25 children who consumed the company’s Coldrif cough syrup, later found to contain toxic levels of diethylene glycol (DEG) — a chemical used in industrial products like paint thinners and printing ink.
A Midnight Operation to Track Down the Accused
The arrest followed a carefully coordinated operation by Madhya Pradesh Police and Tamil Nadu drug control officials. Teams had been tracking Ranganathan Govindan’s movements since October 5, after a reward of ₹20,000 was announced for information leading to his arrest.
Officials detained him around 1:30 am in Chennai and later took him to the company’s Kancheepuram plant, where they seized key documents, unbilled DEG containers, and other incriminating evidence. Authorities are now seeking transit remand to bring Govindan to Chhindwara, where most of the deaths occurred.
Toxic Discovery: 480 Times the Legal Limit
Tests conducted by Tamil Nadu’s drug department revealed a horrifying fact — the syrup contained 46–48% diethylene glycol, while the legal limit is just 0.1%. Medical experts say DEG can cause acute kidney failure, liver damage, and nervous system injury, even in small doses.
Officials say the company not only used industrial-grade chemicals but also lacked a valid Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certificate — a mandatory requirement for any pharma producer.
How the Tragedy Unfolded
Children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan developed severe kidney-related complications after consuming the syrup meant to treat common colds. Many could not survive the poisoning. Hospitals raised alarms when several children showed identical symptoms of toxic exposure, leading investigators to Coldrif syrup as the common link.
The tragic deaths sent shockwaves across the country, prompting at least nine states to impose a complete ban on the product.
Factory Raided, License Suspended
When officials raided the Kancheepuram factory, they found unlabeled DEG containers, missing safety logs, and serious hygiene violations. Production was immediately halted. The Tamil Nadu Drugs Control Authority suspended Sresan Pharma’s manufacturing license and froze all stocks of Coldrif syrup.
“The factory was in a shocking condition. There was no trace of standard manufacturing process or documentation,” said a senior official involved in the inspection.
National Crackdown on Unsafe Drugs
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has now ordered state-level audits of pharma companies after discovering similar safety lapses across several manufacturers. Officials admitted that many firms were skipping batch-wise testing of raw materials and active ingredients — a direct violation of safety protocols.
Charges Against Ranganathan Govindan
Govindan faces multiple criminal charges, including drug adulteration, culpable homicide not amounting to murder, and endangering the lives of children. Legal experts say he could face life imprisonment if convicted.
As per police sources, more arrests are likely in the coming days, with a special investigation team now tracking the company’s suppliers and distributors.
Key Highlights
- 20 children dead after consuming toxic Coldrif syrup containing diethylene glycol (DEG).
- Sresan Pharma owner arrested in Chennai after nationwide manhunt.
- Factory raided, production stopped, and license suspended.
- Nine states banned the sale of Coldrif syrup.
- Central authorities launch crackdown on substandard pharma companies.
The Coldrif tragedy is a grim reminder of what happens when profit takes priority over human life. The deaths of innocent children have exposed deep cracks in the country’s drug regulation system. For now, families are left demanding justice — and the country is demanding answers on how a medicine meant to heal could turn so deadly.