Trouble For Doctor Accused In MP Cough Syrup Deaths Grows, License Of Wife's Medical Store Cancelled

Amid the ongoing probe into the coldrif cough cough syrup row following the deaths of 22 children in Madhya Pradesh, the Special Investigative Team (SIT) will tighten its grip on those close to Dr Praveen Soni, the pediatrician posted at Civil Hospital in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhindwara. 

According to sources, Dr Soni ran a medical store in his wife’s name, from which the poisonous Coldrif syrup was sold. Additionally, the license of the medical store has also been cancelled.

It has been learnt that his nephew, Rajesh Soni, was a stockist of the syrup. The close associates of the doctor were unable to provide bills and complete details of who the Coldrif syrup was sold to, sources informed, suggesting that the bills were either missing or the Coldrif syrup was sold without

a bill.

This means that an attempt was made to conceal evidence after a specific batch number of Coldrif syrup was declared poisonous. Dr Soni’s wife and nephew may soon be named as accused. The SIT has also questioned both of them.

According to laboratory tests, the Coldrif syrup contained diethylene glycol (DEG), a poisonous industrial chemical. The affected children, mostly under five, developed high fever and difficulty in urination after consuming the syrup.

Dr Praveen Soni Arrested

Dr Soni, a pediatrician posted at a government hospital in Parasia and running a private clinic, was arrested by the Madhya Pradesh Police on Saturday in connection to the death of several children in Chhindwara and Betul districts following consumption of Coldrif syrup.

Police filed an FIR against him and the operators of Sresun Pharmaceuticals under multiple sections of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).