The Madhya Pradesh Police, with help from Chennai Police, arrested G Ranganathan, owner of Sresan Pharma, in the early hours of Thursday. The arrest comes after several children died from consuming the adulterated ‘Coldrif’ cough syrup.

A senior officer said police conducted the operation at midnight. They took Ranganathan to the Sunguvarchatram police station for questioning.

The Tamil Nadu government had sealed his factory after 20 children in Madhya Pradesh died from the contaminated syrup. Authorities banned ‘Coldrif’ in the state from October 1 and ordered all stock removed from the market.

How Police Tracked Him

Police searched for Ranganathan since October 7. They tracked his vehicles, home, and bank transactions. Finally, they arrested him at 1:30 am on Thursday.

The police also seized documents from his Kancheepuram factory. Ranganathan will first appear in Chennai court for transit remand. Then, he will be taken to Chhindwara.

The Chhindwara police had announced a ₹20,000 reward a day earlier for information on his location.

Factory Found in Poor Condition

On October 7, the Sriperumbudur Drug Control Inspector issued a show-cause notice to Sresan Pharma. Officials found discrepancies in the quality and labeling of the syrup.

The Tamil Nadu Directorate of Drugs Control inspected the factory. They reported medicines were stored in unhygienic conditions, sometimes in corridors. The agency warned of a high risk of contamination.

Three Cough Syrups Declared Toxic

Following the deaths, the Indian government declared three cough syrups toxic:

• Coldrif: Linked to all child deaths in Madhya Pradesh. Children mostly died of kidney failure. Made by Sresan Pharma, it contained 48.6% diethylene glycol (DEG), far above the 0.1% limit. Produced in May 2025, expiry April 2027.

• Respifresh TR: No deaths linked. Made by Rednex Pharmaceuticals, Gujarat. Contained 1.342% DEG. Produced January 2025, expiry December 2026. Production stopped; syrup recalled.

• ReLife: No deaths linked. Made by Shape Pharma, Gujarat. Contained 0.616% DEG. Produced January 2025, expiry December 2026. Production stopped; syrup recalled.

None of these syrups were exported. The WHO warned of risks through unregulated channels.

Police have acted quickly to arrest G Ranganathan. Investigations revealed toxic cough syrup caused multiple child deaths. Authorities banned the medicines, recalled stocks, and launched inspections across the country.