Unfolding Allegations Eyed by Authorities
The health and corporate worlds are rattled as Madhya Pradesh authorities arrest G Ranganathan, the 73-year-old owner of Sresan Pharmaceuticals based in Chennai, in connection with the toxic Coldrif cough syrup that has been linked to 21 deaths. A seven-member team from the state police and drug regulatory authorities carried out the arrest on Thursday, signaling a high-stakes intersection of public safety and business accountability.
What the Investigation Has Revealed
Initial investigations point to Coldrif as the source of contamination. Tamil Nadu’s Drug Control Laboratory confirmed the product (Batch No. SR-13, manufactured May 2025, expiring April 2027) was not of standard quality and found adulterants in dangerous concentrations. Specifically, tests identified diethylene glycol, a toxic chemical associated with kidney failure and death in severe cases. Following the findings, the Madhya Pradesh government implemented a statewide ban on Coldrif and extended the prohibition to all products manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceuticals.
Regulatory Action and Public Health Response
The Madhya Pradesh Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) issued urgent directives to seize stocks, halt sales, and sample other batches for testing. Deputies were instructed to freeze all Coldrif on the market and ensure that no related products remain available. The ban ultimately encompassed the entire product line from Sresan Pharmaceuticals, with officials coordinating across state lines to prevent further risk.
Background: The Man Behind the Company
G Ranganathan, a veteran of the pharmaceutical sector, built his reputation over four decades. He rose to prominence with Pronit, a nutritional syrup popular in Chennai and promoted by him to paediatricians in the 1980s. While Pronit’s early success was lauded for its benefits to expectant mothers, licensing concerns later required regulatory approvals—an issue Ranganathan navigated as his business expanded into liquid nasal products and multiple small manufacturing units near Chennai. He led Sresan Pharmaceuticals and was closely connected with Ceego Labs, while associates oversaw Iven Healthcare operations. Industry insiders describe him as a mentor who remained active in professional circles until recently.
The Physical Footprint and Neighborhood Impact
The company’s operations in Tamil Nadu have effectively paused. A 2,000-square-foot manufacturing facility along the Chennai-Bengaluru Highway has been sealed, and the registered office in Kodambakkam was found locked with staff reportedly clearing out equipment and computers late at night. Neighbours noted a sharp change in activity, with the once-busy office appearing deserted in the days preceding the arrest.
Timeline: From Allegation to Arrest
The incident traces back to late August when several young patients in Parasia and nearby Chhindwara districts developed sudden kidney complications after treatment for fever and cough. While initial bans targeted two local brands as a precaution, Tamil Nadu’s laboratory confirmation linked the poisoning to Coldrif syrup produced by Sresan Pharmaceuticals, prompting swift cross-state action. The MP government, in response, ordered a comprehensive clampdown on all products from the company and initiated legal proceedings as investigators pursued the source of the contamination.
What Comes Next for Public Health and the Company
As authorities pursue the investigation, the focus remains on protecting vulnerable patients—especially children—while ensuring due process for the accused. The arrest casts a shadow over a company once seen as a rising player in the Indian pharmaceutical scene. In parallel, regulators are likely to intensify inspections across manufacturing facilities and tighten conformity checks to prevent repeat incidents.
Public Information and Transparency
Officials have emphasized the importance of transparency as the case progresses. Updates from the FDA and state authorities are key to restoring public confidence, especially for families affected by the tragedy and for healthcare professionals who rely on safe, regulated medicines for pediatric care.
Follow-Up and Community Safety
Authorities urge the public to report suspicious sales or distribution of cough syrups and to verify product approvals and batch details with licensed outlets. The investigation continues, with officials promising timely updates as samples are tested and new evidence emerges.
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