'Toxic' Cough Syrup Row: 14 Child Deaths Trigger SIT Probe, Doctor Arrested - All You Need to Know

Madhya Pradesh police have set up a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the deaths of 14 children in Chhindwara, suspected to be caused by a "toxic" cough syrup. Officials said the children died

due to renal failure after consuming Coldrif cough syrup.A doctor has been arrested for alleged negligence, and a case has been registered against the syrup manufacturer, Sresan Pharmaceuticals, based in Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu. Authorities said the medicine contained a highly toxic substance.

Last Victim's Body Exhumed

The body of the last victim, two-year-old Yogita Thakre, was exhumed on Sunday for post-mortem at her family's request, Chhindwara Additional Collector Dhirendra Singh said.He added that the state government has transferred an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of the deceased, as announced by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. Eight children are still undergoing treatment in Nagpur hospitals.Meanwhile, two more children reportedly died in Madhya Pradesh's Betul district after taking the same syrup.

Doctor's Arrest Sparks Protest Threat

Dr. Praveen Soni, who allegedly prescribed Coldrif even after adverse reactions were reported, has been arrested and suspended from service. The Indian Medical Association's Chhindwara unit warned of an indefinite strike, if he is not released.The opposition Congress also announced protests, accusing the BJP government of mishandling the crisis and providing "inadequate" relief to families.Meanwhile, as the health crisis in the state deepened, CM Yadav on Sunday was at Kaziranga National Park in Assam, famed for its one-horned rhinoceros. He was accompanied by his wife and officials, took a jeep safari in the central range of the park. He also fed sugarcane to the elephants of the Forest Department.

Toxic Compound Found in Syrup

The Tamil Nadu Drug Control Authority confirmed on October 2 that Coldrif syrup (Batch No. SR-13) contained diethylene glycol - a poisonous chemical found at 48.6% concentration - making it unsafe for consumption. Following the report, the MP Food and Drug Administration ordered a statewide ban and seizure of all Coldrif stocks.The Tamil Nadu government also banned the product after similar deaths were reported in Rajasthan.Dr. Soni and Sresan Pharmaceuticals have been charged under sections 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and 276 (adulteration of drugs) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and section 27A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, which carries a possible life sentence.The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has launched inspections at 19 pharmaceutical units across six states as part of a wider safety review of cough syrups and antibiotics.