Chennai: In a major breakthrough, Madhya Pradesh police arrested Ranganathan Govindan, owner of Tamil Nadu-based Sresan Pharma, late last night in Chennai for his alleged role in the deaths of at least 20 children linked to the company’s adulterated cough syrup, Coldrif.
The arrest followed a meticulously coordinated operation by police and drug control officials who had been tracking Govindan’s movements since October 5. He was apprehended around 1:30 am and taken to the company’s Kancheepuram factory, where key documents and evidence were seized. Authorities are now seeking transit remand to transfer him to Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, where most of the deaths occurred.
Laboratory reports confirmed that Coldrif syrup, prescribed for treating cold symptoms in children, contained dangerously high levels of diethylene glycol (DEG) — a toxic industrial solvent commonly used in printing ink and adhesives. Tamil Nadu drug authorities revealed that Sresan Pharma used 46–48% DEG, far above the permissible limit of 0.1%. Ingestion of DEG can cause acute kidney failure, liver damage, and severe neurological complications.
Children in both Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan reportedly died after consuming the syrup, with kidney failure emerging as the common cause. Subsequent inspections at the Kancheepuram plant exposed multiple violations, including the presence of unbilled DEG containers, lack of batch testing, and absence of a valid Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certificate.
Following these findings, the Tamil Nadu Drugs Control Authority immediately issued a stop-production order, froze all existing syrup stocks, and suspended the company’s manufacturing license.
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has since acknowledged major lapses in pharmaceutical oversight across several manufacturers, noting that many failed to test every batch of raw materials and active ingredients.
In the wake of the tragedy, nine states have banned the sale of Coldrif syrup, and a ₹20,000 reward had been announced for Govindan’s arrest just a day before he was captured.
Govindan now faces multiple criminal charges, including adulteration of drugs, culpable homicide not amounting to murder, and endangering the safety of children.
