The Tamil Nadu state health department has confirmed the shutdown of Sresan Pharmaceuticals following an investigation that revealed the presence of toxic contaminants, specifically Diethylene Glycol (DEG), in their product Coldrif syrup. This development comes after multiple deaths have been linked to the consumption of the adulterated medicine.
In response to the findings, the health department has ordered comprehensive inspections across all pharmaceutical manufacturing units throughout Tamil Nadu. Large-scale inspections are currently underway to ensure compliance with safety standards, ANI reported.
On October 9, the owner of Sresan Pharmaceuticals, Ranganathan, was arrested in Chennai by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) from Madhya Pradesh. He has been remanded in 10-day police custody by a Parasia court. Additionally, two senior drug inspectors have been suspended due to dereliction of duty, as reported by ANI.
The Tamil Nadu government has reiterated its directive for thorough inspections of all pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities in the state to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader K Annamalai criticized the Tamil Nadu government’s handling of the crisis. He highlighted that despite the deaths of 23 people in Madhya Pradesh and three children in Rajasthan linked to the toxic Coldrif syrup, only two drug inspectors had been suspended. Annamalai accused the state government of attempting to shirk responsibility.
“A drug manufactured by a private pharmaceutical company in Kanchipuram has reportedly caused multiple deaths, yet the Tamil Nadu government is trying to create an illusion of having no connection or accountability,” he said. He also underscored the company’s history of quality violations and the apparent lack of proper inspections by state drug authorities.
Meanwhile, the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has issued a directive to all states and Union Territories to ensure strict compliance with the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945. This includes mandatory testing of raw materials and finished pharmaceutical products before approval.
Earlier, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at seven locations in Chennai linked to the Sresan Pharmaceuticals case, addressing money laundering charges connected to the Coldrif syrup deaths. Multiple ED teams from the Chennai Zonal Office carried out simultaneous raids based on specific intelligence inputs.
According to officials, searches are ongoing at premises including the residences of senior officials from the Tamil Nadu Drug Control Office. The agency is investigating financial transactions and suspected proceeds of crime related to the production and distribution of the adulterated medicine.
The deaths caused by toxic cough syrups have raised national concern and prompted swift regulatory actions. Following these events, the Delhi government banned the sale, purchase, and distribution of Coldrif syrup after declaring it “not of standard quality,” according to an official order dated October 10.
The order stated:
“Coldrif Syrup (Paracetamol, Phenylephrine Hydrochloride, Chlorpheniramine Maleate Syrup), manufactured in May 2025 by Sresan Pharmaceuticals in Tamil Nadu, was found to contain Diethylene Glycol (46.28% w/v), a toxic chemical known to be hazardous to human health.”
All stakeholders were directed to immediately halt the sale, purchase, and distribution of the affected batch. The public has been strongly advised against consuming the product due to its potential health risks.
This incident underscores the critical importance of stringent quality control and regulatory oversight within the pharmaceutical industry to safeguard public health.
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/cough-syrup-row-tamil-nadu-shuts-down-sresan-pharmaceuticals-after-cancelling-its-licence-23598484
