Chhindwara : Toxic cough syrup kills kids in Madhya Pradesh as 11 children in Chhindwara district lost their lives, prompting police to arrest Dr. Praveen Soni and file a case against him and Tamil Nadu-based pharmaceutical manufacturer Sresan Pharmaceuticals.
Consequently, authorities acted after a disturbing revelation that the toxic cough syrup consumed by the children, labeled “Coldrif,” contained diethylene glycol beyond permissible limits, which caused fatal renal failure. Therefore, toxic cough syrup kills kids by causing severe health complications.
Investigators found 48 per cent against the permissible limit of just 0.1 per cent.
Superintendent of Police, Chhindwara, Ajay Pandey, confirmed the arrest during a media briefing, stating that Dr Soni prescribed the syrup to the majority of the affected children.
“Based on the Block Medical Officer’s report, we filed a case under sections 105 and 276 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and section 27(A) of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act,” Pandey said.
Subsequently, police lodged the FIR at Parasia police station late Saturday night, and they apprehended Dr Soni from Rajpal Chowk in the Kotwali police station area during a late-night raid by the SP’s special investigation team.
Furthermore, Pandey revealed that the Special Investigation Team will probe the role of Sresan Pharmaceuticals, which manufactures the toxic cough syrup that reportedly kills kids.
In addition, the SIT will travel to the company’s production base to investigate the source and composition of the medicine.
“Police have also named the manufacturing company, Sresan Pharmaceuticals of Tamil Nadu, a prime accused in this case,” he added.
The deaths, concentrated in the Parasia area, raised alarm over the past few days. Consequently, toxic cough syrup kills kids, creating widespread concern. Initial reports linked the fatalities to severe cough and cold symptoms.
Moreover, the Block Medical Officer conducted a detailed inquiry and concluded that the Coldrif syrup contained a harmful compound responsible for kidney failure in children. Based on this report, authorities initiated legal action, and they continue investigating the prescriptions and supply chain.
Pandey said the Block Medical Officer’s findings were critical in establishing the link between the syrup and the deaths.
“He confirmed that the compound in the syrup led to renal failure among children, which ultimately caused their deaths,” he said.
Police are now examining the prescription records and other related details to determine the extent of negligence and accountability.
The tragedy has sparked outrage and consequently demands for stricter oversight of pharmaceutical manufacturing and paediatric prescriptions.
Finally, authorities have assured that they will pursue the investigation thoroughly and hold all those responsible accountable.
–IANS
