Chennai: S Ranganathan, owner of Sresan Pharma in Tamil Nadu, has been arrested, as per the latest media reports, in connection with the deaths of several children in Madhya Pradesh allegedly linked to the consumption of a contaminated cough syrup.

Ranganathan was detained in Chennai after a police team from Madhya Pradesh travelled to Chennai and Kanchipuram to apprehend him. Authorities said he will be taken to the company’s factory in Kanchipuram for further investigation.

The company is accused of manufacturing the toxic syrup Coldrif, which has been blamed for the deaths of at least 20 children in Chhindwara district. Officials said the syrup contained harmful chemicals that caused severe kidney damage.

Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla told reporters in Chhindwara on Wednesday that the government was taking “all necessary measures” to ensure justice for the victims.

The tragedy has sparked widespread outrage across the state, with three more children reportedly dying from renal complications in the past 24 hours. Medical tests confirmed that the syrup was contaminated with toxic substances that triggered acute renal failure within hours of consumption.

In response, the Chhindwara district administration has sealed five medical shops and sent samples of the syrup for laboratory testing. Public announcements have been made in villages warning parents not to give any cough syrups to children.

Meanwhile, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has voiced concern over the alleged wrongful implication of doctors in the case. Several private practitioners, including Dr Praveen Soni, are under investigation for reportedly prescribing or administering the syrup.