Pharmaceutical Company Owner Arrested in Connection with Fatal Cough Syrup Incident

Arrest of G. Rangnathan in Cough Syrup Case

G. Rangnathan, the owner of a pharmaceutical firm in Tamil Nadu named Sresan Pharmaceuticals, has been apprehended in Chennai. His arrest is linked to the tragic deaths of 21 children in Madhya Pradesh, which were associated with the cough syrup 'Coldrif'. Investigations revealed that the syrup contained a dangerously high level of diethylene glycol (DEG), a highly toxic chemical that caused severe kidney damage and ultimately led to the fatalities.

Details of the Incident

The alarming situation began in Chhindwara district, Madhya Pradesh, where several children fell critically ill and subsequently died. Similar cases were reported in Betul and Pandhurna, raising the death toll to 21, with five children still in critical condition.

Escape and Arrest

Rangnathan had been on the run since the incident came to light. A special investigation team (SIT) from Madhya Pradesh, with assistance from Chennai police, executed his arrest around 1:30 AM after tracking bank transactions and vehicle movements.

Evidence Collected

During the raid, authorities seized crucial documents, drug samples, and production records from the factory located in Kanchipuram district. The facility had previously faced multiple violations of regulations, and it was discovered that the company's license was in the process of being revoked, yet production continued.

Toxicity of the Syrup

Reports from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the state health department indicated that the Coldrif syrup contained 48.6% diethylene glycol, a substance that is extremely hazardous to human health and is not permitted in medications. This chemical was identified as the primary cause of the children's deaths.

Government Response

The incident has caused widespread alarm across the nation. Both central and state governments have issued warnings to all states, advising against administering any cough syrup to children under four years of age. Investigations into Sresan Pharmaceuticals' products have commenced nationwide.

Political Repercussions

The issue has also sparked political discussions, with the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh labeling the incident as a result of 'administrative negligence' and calling for significant reforms in the system to prevent future tragedies.

Legal Actions

In a related development, a public interest litigation has been filed in the Supreme Court, requesting a CBI investigation into the entire incident under judicial supervision. The court is expected to hear the case soon.