Investigation Reveals Use of Substandard Materials in Coldrif Syrup Linked to Child Deaths

A shocking investigation by the Enforcement Directorate has uncovered that Shrisan Pharmaceuticals, the maker of Coldrif syrup linked to the deaths of 20 children in Madhya Pradesh, used industrial-grade materials instead of pharmaceutical-grade ones. The ED's findings suggest a lack of quality checks and highlight the company's failure to undergo mandatory inspections. Following these revelations, over 700 cough syrup manufacturers are now under scrutiny. The ED has also seized properties belonging to the company's owner, G. Rangnathan, as part of their ongoing investigation into unfair trade practices and money laundering. This situation raises serious concerns about drug safety and regulatory oversight in the pharmaceutical industry.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 4, 2025, 10:48 IST

Investigation Uncovers Serious Violations by Coldrif Syrup Manufacturer

The company responsible for producing Coldrif syrup, which is implicated in the deaths of at least 20 children in Madhya Pradesh, reportedly utilized industrial-grade raw materials instead of pharmaceutical-grade ones, without conducting quality checks. This alarming revelation emerged during an investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The federal agency further alleged that officials from the Tamil Nadu Drug Control Department maintained "constant contact" with the owner of the accused company, Chennai-based Shrisan Pharmaceuticals, yet failed to conduct the mandatory annual inspection.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the ED disclosed that they had attached two flats in Chennai belonging to the owner, G. Rangnathan, and his family members.

Additionally, Union Health Minister Anupriya Patel informed Parliament on Tuesday that following the tragic deaths of children due to contaminated syrup in Madhya Pradesh, over 700 cough syrup manufacturers are undergoing rigorous scrutiny. Reports indicate that 26 children, primarily under the age of five, died from kidney failure after consuming Coldrif cough syrup.

ED Takes Action Against Coldrif's Promoter

The federal agency also claimed that officials from the Tamil Nadu Drug Control Department were in "constant contact" with G. Rangnathan, the owner of Shrisan Pharmaceuticals, yet the company did not undergo its required annual inspection. In a statement released on Wednesday, the ED announced that they had seized two flats in Chennai linked to Rangnathan and his family under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

These properties, located in Kodambakkam, Tamil Nadu's capital, are valued at approximately ₹2.04 crores. Rangnathan was arrested by Madhya Pradesh police in October. The ED accused Shrisan Pharma of engaging in widespread unfair trade practices to reduce manufacturing costs and increase profits.

The investigation revealed that the manufacturer used raw materials intended for industrial use instead of those suitable for drug production, without any quality checks. The ED noted that such materials were being purchased in cash without invoices. Based on separate FIRs filed by the Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu police, the ED has initiated a money laundering case against the accused.