Cough Syrup Tragedy: Death Toll Rises to 21 as MP Govt Admits Lapses, WHO Demands Answers

The death toll in the cough syrup tragedy across Madhya Pradesh has risen to 21 now, with the state authorities confirming three more fatalities from Betul and Pandhurna districts of the state. Chief minister Mohan Yadav has admitted to lapses, saying, "It is saddening.’ Chhindwara district has reported 18 deaths, while five kids are still critical. Admitting negligence, Yadav, in a news conference in Bhopal, said better among field officials should have been done to avert such incidents and emphasised collective responsibility, saying, “All should work towards serving the masses and I welcome constructive criticism from all quarters, be it the opposition, media or anyone else so that the system functions smoothly.”So far, all deaths of children

have been officially attributed to kidney failure after they allegedly consumed Coldrif cough syrup - found to contain 48.6 per cent diethylene glycol, or DEG — a poisonous industrial chemical. The victims reportedly suffered from a cold and fever before taking Coldrif, after which they experienced vomiting and difficulty urinating. The first death was reported on September 2. Madhya Pradesh police have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the deaths, while several state officials responsible for compliance have been suspended. Tests by Tamil Nadu’s drug control department on 2 October found that Coldrif samples were “not of standard quality.” The syrup was produced by Sresan Pharmaceuticals, based in the Kancheepuram district of Tamil Nadu. The SIT Chennai and Kancheepuram searched the manufacturing unit of the company and thereafter arrested the owner, who has been absconding since October 4.Health Ministry sources have told Times Now the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation has recommended cancellation of licenses of private companies from the state drug controllers, who govern them. CDSCO has asked Tamil Nadu drug controller cancel the license of Sresan Pharmaceuticals.

Blame Game on ‘Killer’ Cough SyrupHealth Ministry sources told Times Now:-'State drug controllers govern private companies.'-'CDSCO recommended license cancellation.'-'TN drug controller must cancel the license.'@esha__mishra shares more details with @anchoramitaw pic.twitter.com/jy8uGtuKSB

— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) October 9, 2025

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Neighbouring states also affected

The horror is not confined to Madhya Pradesh alone, as in the neighbouring Rajasthan, the deaths of two young children, allegedly after consuming a locally-made Dextromethorphan syrup - a cough suppressant unsafe for very young children - sparked outrage and a government investigation.

Not the first time

Over the years, diethylene glycol-included cough syrups have claimed dozens of young lives. In 2023, Indian syrups tainted with diethylene glycol were linked to the deaths of 70 children in The Gambia and 18 in Uzbekistan. WHO seeks clarification The World Health Organisation has said it is seeking clarification from the Indian government on whether the cough syrup involved in the deaths has been exported to other countries. The UN’s health agency, which advises against the use of all cold syrups for young children, suggested it could issue a global warning over Coldrif depending on the Indian government’s response.

What is DEG?

Diethylene glycol is a chemical compound used in industrial products like antifreeze, paints, brake fluids, and plastics. It is not supposed to be used for medicines and can also contaminate pharmaceutical ingredients like glycerine, often due to poor oversight or suppliers using cheap industrial-grade material.