Owner of pharma firm behind toxic Coldrif cough syrup arrested in Chennai

Ranganathan Govindan, owner of Tamil Nadu-based Sresan Pharma, was arrested by Madhya Pradesh police in Chennai late last night in connection with the deaths of at least 20 children linked to the company’s adulterated cough syrup, Coldrif.

The arrest came after a carefully planned operation involving police and drug control officials who had been tracking Govindan’s movements since October 5. He was detained around 1:30 am and taken to the company’s factory in Kancheepuram, where critical documents were seized. Authorities are now seeking transit remand to move him to Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, where most of the deaths occurred.

Coldrif, a syrup meant to treat cold symptoms in children, was found to contain dangerously high levels of diethylene glycol (DEG) – a toxic industrial chemical used in products like printing ink and adhesives. Tamil Nadu drug authorities revealed that the company was using 46–48% DEG, far exceeding the permitted limit of 0.1%. DEG ingestion can cause kidney failure, liver damage, and neurological harm.

Children in both Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan reportedly died after consuming the syrup, with kidney complications being the common cause.

Inspections at Sresan Pharma's Kancheepuram facility uncovered unbilled DEG containers and numerous violations. The company also lacked a valid Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certification. Following the findings, the Tamil Nadu Drugs Control Authority issued a stop-production order, froze all syrup stocks, and suspended the company’s license.

India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has acknowledged serious lapses in quality control across multiple pharmaceutical manufacturers, revealing that many companies were not testing each batch of raw materials and active ingredients.

At least nine states have now banned Coldrif syrup following the tragedy. A reward of Rs 20,000 had been announced for Govindan’s arrest just a day before he was captured.

Govindan faces multiple serious charges, including, adulteration of drugs,  culpable homicide not amounting to murder, endangering the safety of children