By Nelson Manneh
The Inspector General of Police in Madhya Pradesh has ordered statewide raids and a criminal investigation into the distribution of the cough syrup Coldrif, after the deaths of several children were linked to the toxic medicine. The directive came as the state government imposed an immediate ban on the sale and distribution of the syrup across Madhya Pradesh.
In the past 30 days, nine children have died in Chhindwara district due to kidney failure, which health authorities suspect was caused by the consumption of the contaminated syrup. Laboratory analyses confirmed that samples of Coldrif, produced by Sresan Pharmaceuticals in Tamil Nadu, contained dangerously high levels of diethylene glycol (DEG)—a toxic industrial solvent used in brake fluids and antifreeze.
The concentration of DEG in one sample reached 48.6 percent, far exceeding the safe limit of 0.1 percent. Most of the victims, all under five years old, developed urine retention and acute kidney disorders after being treated for cold and cough symptoms. Similar cases have also been reported in the neighboring state of Rajasthan.
Following the laboratory report, the Controller of Food and Drug Administration, Madhya Pradesh, issued orders banning the sale and use of Coldrif and all medicines manufactured by M/s Sresan Pharmaceuticals. Acting on this directive, police teams under the supervision of the Inspector General have launched extensive raids across pharmacies and distributors to seize the toxic medicine and identify those responsible for its circulation.
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has announced compensation of four lakh rupees for each bereaved family and pledged that the government will bear the full medical cost for affected children. “Those responsible will not be spared under any circumstances,” Dr. Yadav warned, stressing that strict legal action will be taken against the manufacturer, suppliers, and all intermediaries involved.
The Inspector General has meanwhile instructed regional police commands to work closely with the Food and Drug Administration to ensure that no banned products remain in circulation. The tragedy has once again raised concerns about regulatory failures and weak pharmaceutical oversight in India, prompting both police and health authorities to intensify surveillance on drug production and sales nationwide.
