Coldrif Cough Syrup Deaths: Tamil Nadu Pharma Firm Owner Arrested in Chennai

S. Ranganathan, owner of Sresan Pharmaceuticals — the Tamil Nadu–based company that manufactured the toxic cough syrup Coldrif — was arrested in Chennai on Wednesday night by Madhya Pradesh police. The syrup has been linked to the deaths of 19 children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

According to Chhindwara Superintendent of Police Ajay Pandey, Ranganathan will be produced before a Chennai court today before being taken to Chhindwara on a transit remand, ANI reported.

Ranganathan’s arrest followed his detention for questioning in connection with the case. Several states have since banned the sale and distribution of Coldrif.

Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister Rajendra Shukla said on Wednesday that 20 children had died after consuming the cough syrup, while five others remain under treatment. Of the fatalities, 17 were reported in Chhindwara, two in Betul, and one in Pandhurna.

The Union Health Ministry confirmed that Coldrif contained diethylene glycol (DEG) — a toxic industrial chemical used in antifreeze and solvents. Even trace amounts can cause acute kidney failure and death. Laboratory tests revealed that children who consumed the syrup developed severe kidney infections.

Authorities had launched a manhunt for Ranganathan, announcing a ₹20,000 reward for his arrest.

The Chennai-based company had been supplying Coldrif to multiple states, including Puducherry, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan.

On October 4, the Tamil Nadu Food Safety and Drug Administration Department found samples of Coldrif collected from Sresan’s manufacturing unit in Sunguvarchatram, Kancheepuram, to be “adulterated.” The firm was immediately ordered to halt production.

The Tamil Nadu government banned the sale of Coldrif from October 1 and directed the removal of all existing stocks from the market.