Cough Syrup Deaths: Sresan Pharma Owner G. Ranganathan Arrested in Chennai
Toxic Syrup Scandal Rocks Pharma Industry
In a shocking development, G. Ranganathan, proprietor of Kancheepuram-based Sresan Pharmaceuticals, was arrested on Thursday (October 9, 2025) by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) from Madhya Pradesh in collaboration with Chennai’s Ashok Nagar police.
He was allegedly involved in the production of contaminated cough syrup that has been linked to the deaths of several children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
Factory Sealed, Office Shut Down
Authorities have sealed Sresan Pharma’s manufacturing facility located along the Chennai–Bengaluru Highway, while its registered office in Kodambakkam remains closed.
Residents nearby reported that the office was cleared out last week, with staff seen shifting equipment and computers late at night, raising suspicion of tampering with records.
Toxic ‘Coldrif’ Syrup Under Scanner
Police sources revealed that the company manufactured the Coldrif cough syrup, which has been linked to at least 21 child deaths in Madhya Pradesh.
A joint team from the SIT and Chennai police searched the factory in Sunguvarchatram, Kancheepuram, seizing production records and chemical samples for forensic testing.
Tamil Nadu Lab Confirms Contamination
Laboratory analysis conducted in Tamil Nadu confirmed that Coldrif syrup contained toxic substances.
Following this revelation, the Madhya Pradesh government banned not only the Coldrif syrup but also all other medicines produced by Sresan Pharmaceuticals.
Legal Action Underway
Ranganathan has been booked under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and other applicable laws.
Investigations are ongoing as authorities probe deeper into how contaminated medicines entered the supply chain, potentially endangering public health across multiple states.
Regulatory Crackdown Expected
The Tamil Nadu Director of Drugs Control submitted a detailed report to the Madhya Pradesh government on October 4, outlining the findings of the contamination.
Experts predict that this case could trigger a nationwide review of small-scale pharma manufacturing units to ensure drug safety and compliance.
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