Rewa, Madhya Pradesh – A shocking outbreak of child deaths in Chhindwara has led to the swift banning of a cough‑syrup brand in the state, after lab tests linked the deaths to a toxic chemical.
On October 5, Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla announced that the laboratory report from a Tamil Nadu factory revealed that the Coldrif syrup contained 48.6 % diethylene glycol, a poisonous additive banned worldwide. According to Shukla, once the report came in, the state government pulled the syrup from circulation and sealed the largest stockpile in Jabalpur.
The agency that released the findings, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), is pursuing legal action against the factory that made the syrup. The doctor who prescribed it has been arrested and a first‑information report (FIR) has been filed.
The tragedy began when 14 children died after taking the syrup in Chhindwara. Hospitals also admitted eight more children with severe symptoms. “We have already approved compensation for the families and the money is in their bank accounts,” said Additional District Magistrate Dhirendra Singh.
To stop further harm, a Drug Controller team launched raids across Chhindwara and nearby districts to seize any remaining Coldrif bottles. Singh also said a Special Investigation Team (SIT) would travel to Tamil Nadu to investigate the manufacturing process.
The incident has raised urgent questions about drug safety and regulation in India. Health officials urge consumers to check product labels and report any suspicious medicines. The state is still investigating the full extent of the abuse and is working to prevent a repeat of these preventable deaths.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
