In a tragic turn for India’s pharmaceutical industry, G. Ranganathan, the 75-year-old owner of Sresan Pharmaceuticals, was arrested at his residence in Kodambakkam, Chennai, in connection with the deaths of at least 21 children in Madhya Pradesh due to adulterated Coldrif cough syrup.
The arrest was made by a seven-member police team from Chhindwara district, with support from local Ashok Nagar police, around midnight. He is expected to be transported to Madhya Pradesh after securing transit remand.
Authorities have registered serious charges under the IPC for culpable homicide not amounting to murder, along with drug adulteration and violations under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Officials will also inspect Sresan’s manufacturing unit in Sunguvarchatram, Kancheepuram.
Laboratory analysis of Batch No. SR-13 (May 2025–April 2027) of Coldrif syrup revealed it contained 48.6% diethylene glycol, a toxic industrial solvent used in antifreeze and brake fluids. This chemical is lethal if ingested, and was responsible for acute kidney failure in the victims, most of whom were under five years old.
Ranganathan’s 2,000 sq ft factory unit on the Chennai-Bengaluru highway has been sealed, and his registered office in Kodambakkam remains locked. Neighbours reported suspicious activity last week, with employees removing equipment late at night.
Ranganathan, a pharmacy graduate from Madras Medical College, gained prominence in the 1980s with his nutritional syrup Pronit. He expanded into nasal products and ran multiple units around Chennai. Known as a mentor to young pharma entrepreneurs, his reputation has now collapsed amid the tragic revelations.
Following the lab report, the Madhya Pradesh government imposed a total ban on the sale and distribution of Coldrif syrup and all Sresan-manufactured medicines. Drug inspectors were ordered to seize existing stocks, collect legal samples, and ensure nothing remained in circulation.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has assured strict action and directed the Food and Drugs Administration to intensify inspections.
