Coldrif Cough Syrup Tragedy: Doctor Arrested, Pharma Firm Booked After 11 Children Dead in Madhya Pradesh

Bhopal: A major health crisis has unfolded in Madhya Pradesh after 11 children reportedly died following the consumption of Coldrif cough syrup, manufactured by Srisan Pharmaceuticals. The deaths have triggered widespread outrage and led to a nationwide alert on the sale and use of the syrup.

Authorities have confirmed that the cough syrup contained dangerously high levels of diethylene glycol — a toxic compound that can cause kidney failure. Laboratory tests conducted in Chennai revealed the syrup had 48.6 percent diethylene glycol, compared to the permissible limit of just 0.1 percent.

Following the revelations, the Madhya Pradesh government immediately banned all products of Srisan Pharmaceuticals, including Coldrif syrup, and ordered a thorough investigation.

Doctor Arrested in Chhindwara

The Madhya Pradesh Police have arrested Dr. Praveen Soni, a pediatrician from Parasia in Chhindwara district, for allegedly prescribing the toxic syrup. Dr. Soni, who is a government doctor but also runs a private clinic, reportedly recommended Coldrif syrup to several children suffering from cold, fever, and flu-like symptoms.

According to police officials, Dr. Soni has been booked under stringent sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for “adulteration of drugs” and “culpable homicide amounting to murder,” along with provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. “These are serious offences and carry a maximum punishment of life imprisonment,” said Chhindwara SP Ajay Pandey.

Families Describe Tragic Loss

Families of the victims said their children’s condition worsened soon after consuming the syrup. “The doctor gave Coldrif along with other medicines for fever and cough. Within days, our child started vomiting and stopped urinating. Doctors later said both kidneys had failed,” said a grieving parent from Parasia.

Several children reportedly developed severe infections and multiple organ failure before succumbing to the poisoning.

CM Mohan Yadav Promises Strict Action

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav termed the incident “horrific” and said those responsible would face the strictest punishment. “We have taken this matter very seriously. The company and all those involved will not be spared,” Yadav said in a statement.

The Madhya Pradesh government has also lodged a case against Srisan Pharmaceuticals, whose manufacturing unit is based in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. Investigators from both states are jointly probing the source of contamination.

Nationwide Ban and Investigation

The alarming discovery has prompted other states, including Delhi, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, to ban Coldrif cough syrup as a precautionary measure. Drug control authorities have been instructed to collect samples of the company’s products and submit detailed reports.

Officials in Nagpur confirmed that several children there are currently on ventilator support after allegedly consuming the same brand of syrup.