SIT formed after 14 children die in MP; doctor held, toxic cough syrup maker booked
Chhindwara (MP):Madhya Pradesh authorities have set up a 12-member special investigation team (SIT) to probe the deaths of 14 children in Chhindwara, allegedly caused by a “toxic” cough syrup.
Dr Praveen Soni, who prescribed the syrup despite reports of adverse effects, has been arrested, while a case has been filed against Sresan Pharmaceuticals, Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu, the makers of Coldrif syrup.
The last victim, two-year-old Yogita Thakre, was exhumed for post-mortem. Eight children remain under treatment in Nagpur hospitals, including AIIMS and private facilities. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh for each victim, already transferred to the families’ bank accounts.
The SIT, led by Parasia Sub Divisional Officer of Police Jitendra Singh Jat, will investigate the pharmaceutical company and further collect evidence. So far, samples from 1,102 children have been tested, with 4,868 results received. Dr Soni has been suspended from service, and colleagues have threatened a strike if he is not released.
The Congress party has announced a protest to highlight the government’s handling of the crisis and seek more relief for affected families. The deaths occurred mostly in Parasia sub-division, with additional cases in Chhindwara city and Chaurai tehsil.
Tests revealed the Coldrif syrup (Batch No SR-13, Mfg May 2025, Exp April 2027) contained 48.6% diethylene glycol, a poisonous substance. Following this, Madhya Pradesh banned the syrup, seized stocks, and removed other Sresan Pharmaceuticals products pending testing. Tamil Nadu also banned Coldrif after similar fatalities in Rajasthan.
Samples from affected children are being tested at the National Institute of Virology in Pune. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has launched inspections of 19 drug manufacturing units across six states. Dr Soni and the company are charged under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, with potential imprisonment exceeding 10 years.
(With agency inputs)