Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh: The Madhya Pradesh Police have set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to look into the passing of 14 children in Chhindwara, reportedly linked to toxic Coldrif cough syrup that led to kidney failure.

Dr. Praveen Soni, who had prescribed the syrup, has been taken into custody for medical negligence and later suspended from duty. The state government has also prohibited the sale of Coldrif, manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceuticals in Tamil Nadu, after lab results showed it contained 48.6% diethylene glycol — a harmful chemical compound.

Families of the affected children have received ₹4 lakh compensation each, while eight other children are undergoing treatment in Nagpur and AIIMS.

The Congress Party has announced plans to demonstrate against the BJP government’s handling of the situation, while local medical professionals have warned of a strike seeking Dr. Soni’s release.

Authorities from the Tamil Nadu Drug Control Department and Madhya Pradesh FDA have seized all available batches of the syrup, and the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has begun nationwide checks on cough syrup producers.

Key Details:

• Location: Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, India
• Children Lost: 14
• Drug Involved: Coldrif cough syrup
• Manufacturer: Sresan Pharmaceuticals, Kancheepuram (Tamil Nadu)
• Reason: Diethylene glycol contamination
• Action Taken: SIT formed, doctor detained, company booked, syrup prohibited