Toxic syrup tragedy: MP police hunt pharma co owner after child deaths
Bhopal: A massive manhunt is underway as Madhya Pradesh police have dispatched a team to Chennai and Kanchipuram to arrest the owner of Sresan Pharma, the manufacturer of the toxic Coldrif cough syrup linked to the deaths of children.
The syrup, reportedly laced with kidney-damaging toxin chemicals, has sparked outrage across the state, with three more children succumbing to renal complications in the past 24 hours.
The death toll now stands at 20, with 17 from Chhindwara, one from Pandhurna, and two from Betul. Doctors said five more children remain critically ill in Nagpur.
The deceased include Dhani Deharia (1.5 years) from Tamia, Jyanshu Yaduvanshi (2 years) from Junnardev, and Vedansh Pawar (2.5 years) from Ridhora. All were undergoing treatment in Nagpur hospitals.
As per IANS, Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla, speaking to media in Chhindwara on Wednesday, confirmed the development and assured that the government is taking all necessary steps to ensure justice.
"A police team from Chhindwara has been sent to Chennai and Kanchipuram to arrest the owner of the company which manufactures 'Coldrif' cough syrup," he stated.
Medical investigations have revealed that the Coldrif syrup contained toxic chemicals that severely damaged the kidneys of the children.
Within hours of consumption, symptoms of renal failure began to appear, leading to rapid deterioration in their health.
The Chhindwara district administration has intensified its response, sealing five medical stores and sending syrup samples for laboratory testing.
Public announcements are being made in villages, warning parents against administering any cough syrup to children.
Meanwhile, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has expressed concern over the alleged wrongful implication of doctors in the case.
Some private practitioners, including Praveen Soni, are under scrutiny for prescribing or administering the syrup.
The IMA has threatened to go on strike, prompting Deputy CM Shukla to urge restraint.
"Doctors should not go on strike and must follow the Union government's advisory against prescribing cold syrups to children below four years," he said.
Political reactions have been swift. The Congress has demanded Rs 1 crore compensation for each affected family and accused the government of negligence.
The BJP has maintained that the investigation is being conducted transparently and assured that those responsible will be held accountable.
