New Delhi: India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched extensive raids on seven locations connected to Sresan Pharma, the manufacturer of the cough syrup Coldrif, which has been blamed for the deaths of 19 children in Madhya Pradesh. The searches, conducted in Chennai and nearby areas, are part of a wider investigation into alleged money laundering and regulatory violations linked to the company’s operations.
Authorities confirmed that the company’s owner, G. Ranganathan, was arrested earlier this month and is being transferred to Madhya Pradesh for further legal proceedings. The enforcement agency is reportedly examining the firm’s financial records, supply networks, and potential links with officials in the Tamil Nadu drug regulatory department.
The Coldrif cough syrup came under scrutiny after laboratory tests revealed dangerously high levels of diethylene glycol (DEG), a toxic chemical commonly used in industrial applications but fatal when ingested. Official testing showed that the syrup contained nearly 48 times the permissible limit, leading to severe poisoning and multiple child fatalities.
Following the incident, the Indian government declared three cough syrups—Coldrif, Respifresh TR, and ReLife—as toxic. While the latter two brands have not been directly tied to any deaths, all three were found to contain unacceptable DEG levels and have been banned from sale and distribution.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Indian authorities confirmed that none of these contaminated syrups were officially exported to the United States. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has cautioned that unregulated channels could still pose international risks if contaminated products reached other countries through informal routes.
Several Indian states have already taken preventive measures. In Kerala, the state’s drug controller has prohibited the sale of cough syrups without a prescription and initiated widespread testing of available brands. In Uttar Pradesh, 48 samples from different districts have been collected and sent for laboratory analysis to ensure public safety.
The ongoing investigation has reignited debates about pharmaceutical regulation in India, especially concerning the domestic drug market. Experts warn that recurring incidents of toxic formulations highlight persistent gaps in quality control and raw material sourcing.
As the probe continues, the Enforcement Directorate’s findings may determine whether the case leads to broader criminal charges, including culpable homicide and corruption within the regulatory framework. The outcome is expected to shape India’s pharmaceutical oversight policies and reinforce the call for stricter monitoring of drug manufacturing practices.