S Ranganathan, the owner of a Tamil Nadu-based pharmaceutical company that manufactured the cough syrup Coldrif, has been arrested in Chennai by Madhya Pradesh police. The arrest follows reports linking the syrup to the deaths of over sixteen children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
Authorities confirmed that Ranganathan was detained on Wednesday night and will be presented before a Chennai court. After obtaining a transit remand, he will be taken to Chhindwara for further investigation.
A Health Ministry report revealed that samples of Coldrif contained diethylene glycol (DEG), a highly toxic industrial chemical commonly used in antifreeze and solvents. Even minimal amounts of DEG can cause severe kidney and liver damage and can be fatal.
The incident has sparked national outrage, with calls for stricter quality control and monitoring of pharmaceutical manufacturing units. Investigations are ongoing to determine how the contaminated syrup reached the market and whether other batches are affected.
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Pharma owner held after toxic Coldrif cough syrup linked to 16 child deaths in MP, Rajasth

Coldrif Cough Syrup Owner Arrested in Chennai

Pharma owner held after toxic Coldrif cough syrup linked to 16 child deaths in MP, Rajasth

October 9, 2025 | 14:57 IST