ThePrint ThePrintPod: Cough syrup deaths: ED searches 7 Chennai premises, including homes of TN drug control officials
Oct 13, 2025
The investigation into Sresan Pharmaceuticals heats up as the Enforcement Directorate conducts searches in Chennai. This follows the tragic deaths of 21 children linked to their Coldriff cough syrup. The toxic ingredient diethylene glycol has been flagged, and the syrup faced bans in several states. Arrests have been made, with charges of culpable homicide against a key figure. Alarmingly, two drug control officials have been suspended for failing to inspect facilities in years. The probe aims to trace profits derived from this scandal.
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ED Probes Chennai Premises Linked To Syrup Maker
- The Enforcement Directorate is probing seven Chennai premises linked to a drug maker under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
- Searches target Srisan Pharmaceuticals and residences of Tamil Nadu drug control officials tied to Coldriff syrup.
Children Fell Ill And Died After Syrup Consumption
- In Chhindwara's Parasia town, several children fell ill with kidney damage after consuming Coldriff cough syrup.
- Nearly two dozen children are believed to have died after the syrup contained lethal levels of diethylene glycol.
Owner Arrested; Proceeds Treated As Crime Profits
- S. Ranganathan, owner of Srisan Pharmaceuticals, was arrested and faces charges including culpable homicide and drug alteration.
- Authorities view sale profits from the adulterated syrup as proceeds of crime and opened ED and ACB cases.