Thu Oct 09 07:59:48 UTC 2025: **News Article Summary:**
Tamil Nadu authorities have suspended two senior drug inspectors and arrested the owner of Sresan Pharmaceuticals after the company’s Coldrif cough syrup was linked to the deaths of several children in Madhya Pradesh. Testing by Tamil Nadu’s Government Drugs Testing Laboratory revealed the syrup, from batch SR-13, was contaminated with Diethylene Glycol (DEG), a toxic substance. While initial checks by Madhya Pradesh and the Union Health Ministry found no issues, Tamil Nadu’s prompt detection led to a Stop Production Order and a closure order for the Sresan facility. Criminal proceedings are being initiated, and the facility’s owner will be interrogated to determine the source of the contamination, potentially leading to permanent closure and license cancellation. Retail sales of the syrup have been halted in Tamil Nadu to prevent further incidents.
**Rewritten News Article:**
**Tamil Nadu Shuts Down Drug Manufacturer After Deadly Cough Syrup Contamination**
**CHENNAI, October 9, 2025** – Two senior drug inspectors in Tamil Nadu have been suspended and the owner of Sresan Pharmaceuticals arrested after the company’s Coldrif cough syrup was found to be contaminated with a toxic substance, linked to the deaths of children in Madhya Pradesh. Health Minister Ma. Subramanian announced the swift action after tests conducted by the Government Drugs Testing Laboratory in Chennai confirmed the presence of Diethylene Glycol (DEG) in samples from batch SR-13.
The contamination was discovered after Tamil Nadu’s Drugs Control Department responded to information from their Madhya Pradesh counterparts on October 1st. Despite initial investigations by Madhya Pradesh and the Union Health Ministry failing to detect any issues, Tamil Nadu’s analysis revealed the dangerous adulteration.
“It was Tamil Nadu that detected the contamination and alerted other States,” Minister Subramanian emphasized. A Stop Production Order was immediately issued on October 3rd, followed by a closure order for the manufacturing facility in Sunguvarchathiram, Kancheepuram district.
The owner of Sresan Pharmaceuticals has been arrested and faces criminal proceedings. An inquiry will be conducted at the facility to determine the source of the DEG contamination, potentially leading to the permanent closure of the plant and cancellation of its license within the next three days.
The two suspended drug inspectors are being held accountable for failing to conduct proper quality checks at the facility over the past two years.
The Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation does not procure Coldrif syrup, and retail sales have been halted throughout the state as a precautionary measure. Authorities believe the swift action taken by Tamil Nadu has prevented further tragedies in other regions.