Cough Syrup Horror: Banned Chemical Used, Pharma Firm Under Probe

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Coldrif cough syrup tragedy in Madhya Pradesh has confirmed that industrial-grade diethylene glycol—a toxic chemical used in brake fluids and antifreeze—was present in the syrup that led to the deaths of 23 children, including 20 in Chhindwara district.

Key Findings from the SIT Investigation:

• Source of Contamination: The chemical was traced to Sresan Pharmaceuticals, owned by Ranganathan Govindan in Tamil Nadu. He allegedly procured banned industrial-grade diethylene glycol for production.
• Supply Chain Mapping: Investigators are now examining the entire supply chain—from raw material sourcing to distribution—to determine how long the chemical had been used and who else may be complicit.
• Accountability Focus: Authorities aim to fix responsibility at every stage, including suppliers, intermediaries, and production oversight. Govindan initially claimed ignorance, saying production was delegated.

Source: Times of India | The Indian Express [October 11, 2025] 

The Coldrif cough syrup tragedy was first reported by several national and regional outlets, but among the earliest and most locally grounded coverage came from India Today, on October 7, by reporter Ravish Pal Singh, based in Bhopal. The report highlighted the rising death toll in Chhindwara and Betul districts, naming victims and linking the deaths to Coldrif syrup containing toxic substances.

Regulatory Implications

This case has reignited calls for tighter pharmaceutical oversight and raw material traceability. It echoes past tragedies involving toxic syrups and highlights the urgent need for reform in drug manufacturing protocols.