Cough Syrup Tragedy in Madhya Pradesh: Death Toll Rises to 17, NCPCR Orders Strict Action

Bhopal, October 7 (Udaipur Kiran): The death toll in the toxic cough syrup tragedy in Madhya Pradesh has risen to 17, with another child from Chhindwara succumbing during treatment at Nagpur Medical College on Monday. The deaths have been linked to the consumption of ‘Coldrif’ cough syrup, manufactured in Tamil Nadu, which contained 48.6% diethylene glycol, a highly toxic chemical.

The incident has shaken the state, prompting the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT), which has been sent to Tamil Nadu to probe the Shrezen Pharma factory where the syrup was produced. The Tamil Nadu government had already halted production at the facility on October 3 after the contamination was confirmed.

Chhindwara SP Ajay Pandey informed that the SIT will examine the production process, identify chemical lapses, and determine who was responsible for allowing the poisonous syrup to reach the market. He said more sections will be added to the FIR, and the number of accused may increase following the investigation.

The tragedy also exposed administrative negligence, as the first death occurred on September 4, but swift action was taken only after the death count surged. On Monday, the state government removed Drug Controller Dinesh Kumar Maurya and suspended three officials—Deputy Drug Controller Shobhit Kosta, Chhindwara Inspector Gaurav Sharma, and Jabalpur Inspector Sharad Kumar Jain—for delayed action in banning the syrup and testing samples.

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) have taken serious cognizance of the incident. The NHRC issued notices to the governments of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, directing immediate investigations and a nationwide crackdown on spurious and unsafe drugs. The Union Health Ministry, DCGI, and CDSCO have been instructed to collect samples and submit lab reports from across the country.

NCPCR member Priyank Kanoongo said, “This is a grave national concern. All states have been instructed to immediately ban the sale of the suspected cough syrup and send test reports. Those found guilty—whether officials or manufacturers—will face strict action.”

Following the tragedy, Haryana, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Karnataka have banned Coldrif, while Jharkhand has also restricted Respifresh and Relif brands.

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, after visiting affected families in Parasia, said, “This is not just your grief; it is the grief of the entire state. The government will ensure that no culprit is spared.” He announced immediate administrative action and reaffirmed that preventing such tragedies is now the top priority.

Authorities noted that the DCGI and CDSCO had earlier restricted the use of chlorpheniramine maleate and phenylephrine HCl combinations in children below four years, and required mandatory warning labels—rules allegedly violated by Shrezen Pharma. The investigation aims to ensure accountability and justice for the victims.