Overview of the Case
A seven-member Madhya Pradesh (MP) team arrested G Ranganathan, the Chennai-based owner of Sresan Pharmaceuticals, amid investigations into the toxic Coldrif cough syrup linked to 21 deaths. Local authorities have sealed Ranganathan’s 2,000-square-foot manufacturing unit on the Chennai-Bengaluru highway and cleared his registered office in Kodambakkam as part of a widening probe into the tainted product.
What We Know About Coldrif
Laboratory findings in Tamil Nadu confirmed that Coldrif, a cough syrup sold by Sresan Pharmaceuticals, contained harmful substances. The batch under scrutiny—Batch No. SR-13, manufactured in May 2025 and expiring in April 2027—was identified as “Not of Standard Quality” and adulterated, with diethylene glycol detected at 48.6%. Diethylene glycol is a toxic chemical commonly associated with antifreeze and brake fluids and can cause acute kidney failure, particularly in young children.
The Regulatory Response
Following the Tamil Nadu report to the Madhya Pradesh government on October 4, MP Chief Minister Mohan Yadav ordered an immediate ban on the sale, distribution, and stock of Coldrif across the state. The ban also extended to all products manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceuticals. The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) issued urgent directives to seize stocks, halt sales, and collect samples for laboratory testing among other precautionary measures.
Implications for Sresan Pharmaceuticals
The crackdown targets not only Coldrif but also the broader portfolio of Sresan-manufactured medicines. Inspectors have been instructed to freeze Coldrif in the market and to halt the sale of other Sresan products while legal samples are collected. The government’s directive signals a broader push to hold manufacturers accountable for adverse drug events and ensure stringent compliance across the supply chain.
The Man Behind the Company
G Ranganathan, 73, is a veteran in the pharmaceutical field who built a career over more than four decades. He is known for Pronit, a nutritional syrup popular in Chennai and historically promoted by him to pediatricians as beneficial for pregnant women. Over time he expanded into liquid nasal products and established multiple manufacturing units around Chennai, eventually leading Sresan Pharmaceuticals and maintaining ties with Ceego Labs while associates managed Iven Healthcare.
Public Health and Consumer Safety
The tragedy, which began surfacing in late August with several children in Parasia and nearby villages developing acute kidney failure after treatment for mild fever and cough, has provoked a rapid government response. While initial investigations briefly flagged local brands as a precaution, Tamil Nadu lab results confirmed the distant link to Coldrif, highlighting a breakdown in quality control and supply chain oversight that can have devastating consequences for vulnerable populations, especially children.
What Comes Next
Authorities are likely to pursue a comprehensive review of manufacturing practices, licensing requirements, and cross-state distribution networks. The case underscores the ongoing need for robust pharmacovigilance, transparent supply chains, and timely information-sharing between state regulators to prevent future tragedies. As investigations proceed, rigorous testing, timely recalls, and accountability for those responsible will be critical to restore public trust in pharmaceutical products and ensure patient safety.
