Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Following the arrest of the owner of Sresan Pharmaceuticals, the Tamil Nadu-based manufacturer of Coldrif cough syrup — linked to the tragic deaths of 20 children in Madhya Pradesh — Chief Minister Mohan Yadav asserted on Thursday that the state government will not spare anyone found guilty, regardless of their position.
Addressing the media in Bhopal, CM Yadav said, “In the Chhindwara cough syrup case, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was promptly formed, and it successfully apprehended the owner of the pharmaceutical company. Our government is committed to ensuring justice, and strict action will be taken against all those responsible, no matter who they are.”
He reiterated his stance against negligence, adding, “We will not tolerate any wrongdoing. If any mismanagement or negligence is discovered, we will take the strongest possible action. As I said during the SIT’s formation, I repeat — no one guilty will be spared.”
Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister Rajendra Shukla also addressed the incident, stating that the state is taking the case very seriously. “As soon as we learned of the children’s deaths caused by Coldrif cough syrup, a case was registered immediately, and an SIT was formed. The company’s owner has now been arrested and will be brought to Madhya Pradesh on a transit remand,” he told.
Shukla highlighted the government’s sensitive approach to the crisis, noting that CM Yadav had personally visited Chhindwara and met the affected families. He also said drug controllers have been instructed to prevent such harmful medicines from entering the market again.
Chhindwara Superintendent of Police (SP) Ajay Pandey confirmed the arrest, stating that the pharma company’s owner, Ranganathan, was apprehended in Chennai. “The SIT team from Chhindwara arrested him late last night. Following his medical examination and other legal procedures in Chennai, he will be brought to Chhindwara,” Pandey said.
The investigation continues as authorities work to determine the full scope of accountability in this tragic incident.
