The Tamil Nadu government has taken decisive action by sealing the pharmaceutical factory of Sresan Pharmaceuticals in Kancheepuram, according to a PTI report.
This follows the discovery that their cough syrup, Coldrif, contained dangerously high levels of diethylene glycol (DEG), a toxic substance.
The syrup was linked to the deaths of 20 children in Madhya Pradesh, who suffered kidney failure after consuming the contaminated product, according to The New Indian Express’ report.
The state's Food Safety and Drug Administration had earlier declared the syrup samples as "adulterated" and ordered the company to halt production immediately.
Furthermore, the government has issued a second show-cause notice to the company, warning of potential criminal action.
Madhya Pradesh Police investigate
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) from Madhya Pradesh, led by an Assistant Commissioner of Police, visited the company's facilities in Chennai and Kancheepuram as part of their probe into the deaths. The team gathered documents and CCTV footage, although the factory owner had reportedly left the premises three days prior.
Meanwhile, the Madhya Pradesh government has banned the sale and distribution of Coldrif syrup and other products from Sresan Pharmaceuticals. Additionally, a doctor who prescribed the syrup to several children has been arrested on charges of negligence.
