MP cough syrup tragedy: Sresan Pharma’s Ranganathan taken to Parasia court
Bhopal and Chhindwara police have hauled Tamil‑based drugmaker Ranganathan Govindhan to Parasia court after a deadly cough syrup tragedy.
Govindhan, who owned Sresan Pharmaceuticals in Tamil Nadu, faces charges linked to the death of 25 children who drank a cough‑relief drink called “Coldrif.” The syrup contained dangerously high levels of diethylene glycol, a toxic chemical.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Madhya Pradesh Police, which published a ₹20 000 reward for the suspect’s arrest, caught Govindhan in Chennai after he fled with his wife. He was taken to Parasia on Friday and will appear before the court at 2 p.m. The SIT plans to seek his remand.
The SIT, made up of 12 officers, travelled to Tamil Nadu earlier this week to track Govindhan’s movements and seized him on Wednesday. Police feared he might escape overseas because he has children living abroad. After his arrest, officials moved him to Parasia to continue the investigation.
In the meantime, the state government has ordered post‑mortem examinations on three of the deceased children. Forensic teams are collecting technical evidence to build a stronger case. Some officials were suspended, and a doctor named Praveen Soni was arrested in Parasia for prescribing the toxic “Coldrif” syrup.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) criticized Soni’s arrest, arguing that doctors do not manufacture medicines. IMA leaders said they will challenge the arrest in the High Court.
Public anger flared when Samajwadi Party workers marched to Malviya Chowk, demanding that Health Minister Rajendra Shukla quit. Protesters blamed the government’s negligence for the children’s deaths and called for tougher pharmaceutical oversight.
The incident has raised concerns across India about drug safety and regulatory failure. An investigation into the deadly cough syrup continues while authorities work to bring those responsible to justice.
Source: ianslive
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