Cough Syrup row- In a major breakthrough, the owner of the pharmaceutical company that manufactured Coldrif cough syrup has been detained on Thursday in connection with the deaths of 20 children. The arrest comes amid growing concerns over the safety of the syrup, which has been linked to multiple fatalities. The owner, identified as S Ranganathan was detained in Chennai after Madhya Pradesh Police had dispatched a team to Chennai and Kancheepuram to nab him. Ranganathan, is the owner of the Sresan Pharma in Tamil Nadu, which manufactures Coldrif cough syrup.
Arrested by Madhya Pradesh Police
Chhindwara SP Ajay Pandey confirmed that S Ranganathan was arrested last night and will be presented before Chennai court (in Tamil Nadu) and brought to Chhindwara (MP) after securing transit remand. Ranganathan’s arrest comes after Madhya Pradesh Police on Wednesday announced a reward of Rs 20,000 for information leading to the owner of Srisan Pharmaceuticals. SP Pandey had earlier confirmed that the state police had travelled to Tamil Nadu to arrest the company owner but were unable to locate him, prompting the announcement of the reward.
Children’s death linked to cough syrup | Chhindwara SP Ajay Pandey tells ANI that Sresan Pharma owner S Ranganathan was arrested last night. He will be presented before Chennai court (in Tamil Nadu) and brought to Chhindwara (MP) after securing transit remand.
— ANI (@ANI) October 9, 2025
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Dr Praveen Soni’s bail rejected
Meanwhile, the Chhindwara Sessions Court has rejected the bail plea of Dr. Praveen Soni. Dr. Soni, a government paediatrician at the Civil Hospital in Parasia, Chhindwara, was recently suspended and subsequently faced legal action. He was remanded to 14-day judicial custody on Monday. The Chhindwara Chemist Association has also announced an indefinite strike in protest against the action taken on Wednesday against several medical stores in the district.
Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister Rajendra Shukla earlier confirmed that 20 children had died so far in the state due to the consumption of Coldrif cough syrup, while five others were undergoing treatment. Of the 20 deaths, 17 were reported from Chhindwara district, two from Betul district, and one from Pandhurna.
Conclusion
The arrest follows an ongoing investigation into allegations that the syrup may have been contaminated or improperly formulated, leading to the tragic fatalities.
