Major Breakthrough in Deadly Cough Syrup Case: VISRA Report Confirms Presence of ‘Diethylene Glycol’, 24 Children Lost to ‘ColdRif’ Syrup

Chhindwara/Baitul, Madhya Pradesh: In a shocking development in the deadly cough syrup case that claimed 24 innocent lives in Chhindwara and Baitul, the VISRA forensic report has confirmed that the fatal chemical diethylene glycol was present in the syrup. The tainted medicine, marketed as ‘ColdRif’, contained the chemical in concentrations far above safe limits. Eleven accused individuals in connection with the case are currently in custody.

Ordinary Illness Turned Deadly

The victims, children from Chhindwara and Baitul districts, were suffering from mild cold, cough, and fever. Families brought them to a private clinic operated by a government doctor in Parasia, where they were prescribed ColdRif cough syrup. Within days of consuming the syrup, children began experiencing severe symptoms including vomiting, reduced urination, swelling, and ultimately kidney failure, leading to a series of tragic deaths.

Forensic Confirmation

According to Parasia SDOP and SIT In-Charge Jitendra Singh Jat, internal organ tests conducted on the deceased children confirmed the presence of diethylene glycol, a highly toxic chemical that directly attacks the kidneys and causes organ failure. Laboratory analysis of the ColdRif syrup also revealed excessive levels of this lethal chemical, unequivocally linking the deaths to the contaminated medicine.

Scale of the Tragedy

A total of 24 children died in the incident, sending shockwaves across Madhya Pradesh. Families questioned the safety of the syrup, prompting the government to set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the case.

Arrests and Legal Proceedings

During the investigation, authorities arrested 11 individuals, including Ranganathan, owner of Shriram Pharma, the doctor who prescribed the syrup (Dr. Praveen Soni), stockists, and chemical analysts. All accused have been placed in judicial custody.

Next Steps

SIT officials stated that, based on the VISRA report, a supplementary chargesheet will be filed in court, incorporating the new forensic evidence. This will allow authorities to strengthen charges against the accused and pursue additional legal action.