Tag Archives: investigation

Cough syrup deaths: PIL in SC seeks CBI probe

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**Cough Syrup Deaths: PIL in Supreme Court Seeks CBI Probe**

*By Snehil Singh | October 7, 2025, 4:29 PM*

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the deaths of 14 children in Madhya Pradesh, allegedly after consuming a cough syrup. The PIL demands an investigation led by a retired Supreme Court judge into the manufacturing, regulation, testing, and distribution of contaminated cough syrups, ANI reported.

Several children across different states reportedly died after consuming Coldrif cough syrup, which was found to contain diethylene glycol (DEG), a highly toxic industrial solvent.

### Ban and Quality Concerns

The Union Health Ministry has confirmed that Coldrif cough syrup, produced by Sresan Pharma in Tamil Nadu, contained DEG levels beyond permissible limits. A Drug Testing Laboratory in Chennai declared the product “Not of Standard Quality” after testing a sample, a finding also confirmed by the Tamil Nadu Directorate of Drug Control.

Following these findings and mounting concerns due to child deaths linked to suspected renal failure, Tamil Nadu became the first state to ban the sale and distribution of Coldrif syrup.

### Actions Taken by Other States

In response to the crisis, Madhya Pradesh and Kerala have also banned Coldrif cough syrup. Telangana issued a public alert warning consumers about the product, while the Punjab government directed all retailers and healthcare institutions to cease purchasing or using Coldrif.

The tragic incident has led to widespread confiscation of stock nationwide and prompted stringent revisions to drug prescription guidelines in states such as Kerala and Karnataka.

### Historical Context: WHO Warnings Over Indian Cough Syrups

This is not the first time Indian-made cough syrups have been linked to fatal outcomes. In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) associated cough syrups from Maiden Pharmaceuticals with the deaths of 70 children in The Gambia due to acute kidney injuries caused by DEG and ethylene glycol (EG).

In 2023, Uzbekistan reported at least 18 child deaths linked to Indian-made cough syrup manufactured by Marion Biotech, triggering another WHO warning.

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The ongoing investigation and regulatory actions highlight the urgent need for stricter quality control and oversight in pharmaceutical manufacturing to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/cough-syrup-deaths-pil-seeks-cbi-probe-states-ban-coldrif/story

No fire extinguishers or water: Witnesses expose Jaipur hospital lapses

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By Chanshimla Varah | Oct 06, 2025 | 11:16 AM

**Major Fire at Jaipur Hospital Raises Safety Concerns**

A devastating fire broke out late Sunday night at the Sawai Man Singh Hospital in Jaipur, Rajasthan, raising serious questions about safety preparedness at the facility. The blaze ignited on the second floor of the hospital’s trauma center, tragically killing eight people.

Thick smoke quickly filled the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), forcing family members to carry patients outside onto the streets in a desperate attempt to save lives.

**Victim Details and Accusations of Negligence**

At the time of the fire, the hospital was treating 210 patients, with reportedly only one staff member present in each ICU, according to India Today. Family members have accused the hospital administration of negligence, alleging that smoke warnings were ignored and that staff fled the scene after the fire started.

They further claimed that fire extinguishers were non-functional and that there was not even water available to douse the flames. The fire was eventually contained within two hours.

**Families Speak Out**

One grieving man who lost his mother in the fire told ANI, “The ICU caught fire, but there was no equipment to extinguish it. There were no facilities at all. My mother didn’t survive.”

Another relative of a victim, named Pintu, said they informed doctors about the smoke at around 11:20 PM on Sunday. “But the smoke kept getting thicker. As it spread, the doctors and other staff working downstairs all ran out,” he recalled.

**Rescue Efforts Amid Chaos**

Despite the chaos, some hospital staff members attempted to rescue patients. Vikas, a ward boy present during the incident, told PTI that he and others managed to save three to four patients before the flames became too intense to continue.

**Investigation Launched**

In response to the tragedy, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma ordered an investigation on Monday. “Every possible step is being taken for the safety of patients, their treatment, and the care of those affected, and the situation is being continuously monitored,” Sharma stated.

**Cause of the Fire**

A short circuit is suspected to have caused the fire. Jaipur Police Commissioner Biju George Joseph confirmed that the forensic science laboratory will conduct an inquiry to determine the exact cause.

Additionally, the Rajasthan government has constituted a commission to investigate the incident. This investigation will focus on the hospital management’s response, the facility’s firefighting arrangements, and the preventive measures needed to avoid similar disasters in the future.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/no-fire-extinguishers-or-water-witnesses-expose-jaipur-hospital-lapses/story

Nagpur family on vacation in Europe killed in road accident

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**Nagpur Family on Vacation in Europe Killed in Road Accident**

*By Snehil Singh | October 4, 2025, 12:55 PM*

A Nagpur-based Indian family vacationing in Europe faced a tragic fate when they were involved in a fatal road accident in Italy. The victims have been identified as Javed Akhtar, a 55-year-old hotelier and entrepreneur, and his wife Nadira Gulshan, aged 47.

The couple was traveling with their three children—Arzoo Akhtar (21), Shifa Akhtar, and Jazel Akhtar—when the accident occurred on the Aurelia Highway near Grosseto.

**Accident Details and Investigation**

The family was en route to a sightseeing trip in a nine-seater minibus when a truck collided with their vehicle, which had broken down on the highway. Both Javed Akhtar and Nadira Gulshan, along with the minibus driver, died at the scene.

Javed Akhtar was a well-known hotelier in Nagpur, where his family owns the Gulshan Plaza hotel.

**Medical Response and Condition of Survivors**

Following the crash, the couple’s children sustained injuries of varying severity. Arzoo Akhtar suffered critical head injuries and is currently receiving treatment at Lee Scott Hospital in Siena. Shifa and Jazel Akhtar are recovering at hospitals in Florence and Grosseto respectively.

Notably, Jazel regained consciousness after the accident and promptly called a local helpline for assistance.

Reports from Italien.News mention that rescue efforts faced delays, as it took two fire department teams some time to reach the accident scene. After assessing the seriousness of the injuries, rescue helicopters were deployed to evacuate the victims to nearby hospitals.

**Diplomatic Support and Condolences**

The Indian Embassy in Italy has confirmed the deaths and expressed condolences to the grieving family. On social media platform X, the embassy stated, “The Embassy conveys its heartfelt and sincere condolences for the tragic loss of two Indian nationals from Nagpur in an accident near Grosseto.” They are actively coordinating with local authorities to provide support.

Our thoughts are with the Akhtar family during this difficult time.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/nagpur-hotelier-wife-dead-in-italy-road-accident-daughter-critical/story

Tirupati on high alert after bomb threats

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**Tirupati on High Alert After Bomb Threats**

*By Chanshimla Varah | Oct 03, 2025, 04:22 PM*

Tirupati city has been placed on high alert following bomb threats reportedly linked to the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of Pakistan and former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants based in Tamil Nadu. According to News18, the warning suggested that RDX explosives could be detonated at four locations across the city.

**Threat Assessment and Investigation**

In response to the threat, Tirupati police have launched an investigation into two suspicious emails that contained the bomb warnings. Bomb disposal squads were immediately called in to assess the situation and ensure public safety.

The emails hinted at a potential conspiracy involving explosive devices targeted at key public and religious sites within Tirupati.

**Enhanced Security Measures at Religious Sites**

As a precaution, security has been significantly tightened at major temples, including the Tiruchanur Padmavati Ammavari Temple, Tirumala Temple, and Srikalahasti Temple.

In addition, thorough security checks are being conducted at crucial locations such as the RTC Bus Stand, Srinivasam, Vishnu Niwasam, and Kapilatheertham.

Bomb disposal teams and police patrols continue to monitor the city closely to mitigate any possible threats.

So far, no explosives have been found in connection to the bomb threat.

Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities immediately.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/tirupati-receives-bomb-threat/story

Optus instructed to find ‘external party’ to review systems after triple-0 outages

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Communications Minister Calls for Independent Review of Optus After Fatal Triple-0 Outages

Communications Minister Anika Wells has instructed Optus to bring in an “independent and external party” as part of efforts to prevent another fatal triple-0 outage. However, no specific details have been provided regarding what this independent review will entail.

The minister met with the heads of Optus and its Singaporean parent company, Singtel, in Sydney on Tuesday morning, nearly two weeks after a 13-hour outage on September 18 was linked to multiple deaths. During the outage, hundreds of people—primarily in South Australia, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory—were unable to reach emergency services when dialing triple-0.

Following the highly anticipated talks, Ms. Wells stated that she had urged the embattled telco to “find a way” to allow an external party to review their systems. She emphasized the importance of Australians gaining confidence from an external investigation and advice, rather than hearing only from Optus that the issues will be resolved.

Shortly after the minister’s media address, Optus chair John Arthur told reporters the company was committed to working with the government “to do whatever needs to be done,” but he was unable to provide specific details about the independent review. “We are always welcome to external perspectives and external views, and that remains the case here,” he said.

Over the weekend following the initial outage, a second failure left thousands of customers in the New South Wales town of Dapto unable to make emergency calls. Ms. Wells highlighted that having two outages “in short succession” has caused a “very serious lack of confidence” in Optus’s ability to deliver reliable triple-0 services.

She further revealed that she sought assurances from Optus chief executive Stephen Rue and Singtel’s chief Yuen Kuan Moon that corrective action would be taken. “No-one is shying away from the fact that Optus has not complied with their obligations to the Australian people and that is what needs to be fixed here,” Ms. Wells said. “I think Optus accepts that, that this is a compliance issue on their part.”

When asked whether Australians could be assured such incidents would not happen again now that the issue had been identified, Ms. Wells responded, “That’s a question that you should put to Optus, immediately.”

John Arthur reiterated that the cause of the initial outage was “process-related” and due to human error, rather than issues with money or investment. He added, “And in due course we will be talking about the extent of Singtel’s investment in Australia, which goes beyond Optus.”

### Optus Leadership and Accountability

Amid growing pressure on Optus to demonstrate its reliability, Singtel chief Yuen Kuan Moon was asked multiple times whether he fully supported Optus CEO Stephen Rue. Mr. Yuen stated that Mr. Rue was brought in almost a year ago specifically “to address issues” within Optus. “It is very early days, it takes time to transform a company,” he commented. “An initial investigation of the September 18 incident found that it was due to a people issue and it takes time to transform and change the people.”

Mr. Yuen also issued an apology to the friends and family of those whose deaths have been linked to the outage.

### Context and Ongoing Investigations

The recent triple-0 outages come just two years after a major Optus failure left thousands unable to call emergency services. In response, Optus was fined more than $12 million, and a comprehensive review was commissioned, resulting in numerous recommendations.

Australia’s communications watchdog has now launched an investigation into the September 18 incident, aiming to understand what went wrong and prevent such failures in the future.

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*Optus chief Stephen Rue and Singtel CEO Yuen Kuan Moon have been contacted for further comment.*
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09-30/optus-anika-wells-meet-about-triple-0-outrages/105833276

Bhopal: Probe Into Fake Cooperative Society Linked To Machhli

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**Bhopal Crime Branch Intensifies Probe into Fake Fisheries Cooperative Society at Hathaikheda Dam**

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The crime branch has stepped up its investigation into a fake fisheries cooperative society allegedly controlled by the Machhli family. This society had been fraudulently operating at the Hathaikheda dam for decades.

Notices have been issued to the members of the cooperative society, and they have been asked to record their statements. Currently, members of the Machhli family are facing serious charges, including drug trafficking, illegal arms trade, and the unlawful grabbing of government land.

According to records, the Hathaikheda dam, which falls under the Bhopal district panchayat, was leased to the Machhli Palan Sahkari Samiti Maryadit in 1983. Although the rules mandated that local fishermen should be members of the society, it has come to light that the cooperative existed only on paper. The actual operations were controlled by Jalil Mohammed Khan, alias Neelu Miyan, a close aide of the Machhli family.

Despite the cooperative society being declared fake by the then Bhopal collector in 2019, Neelu Miyan continued fishing activities on behalf of the Machhli family until 2024.

The complainant, Pramod Lodhi, has provided all relevant documents to police officials. These documents revealed that some members of the so-called committee were already deceased.

Crime branch officials stated that members and caretakers of the dam are now being summoned for questioning. Further action will be taken based on the findings of these inquiries.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/bhopal-probe-into-fake-cooperative-society-linked-to-machhli