Nagpur Tragedy: Four-Year-Old Harsh Dies After 120 Days in Hospital Linked to Toxic Coldrif Cough Syrup

Chhindwara/Betul, MP: The devastating saga of the toxic Coldrif cough syrup continues, claiming yet another young life. Four-year-old Harsh Yaduvanshi of Tikabari village, Bordehri police station area, Betul district, passed away late Sunday at AIIMS Nagpur, after battling kidney failure for 120 days caused by the allegedly poisonous syrup. The tragic death has revived painful memories for the affected families and the local communities.

Illness and Hospitalization
Harsh’s health deteriorated in September 2025. On 26 September, his parents sought treatment from Dr. S.S. Thakur, a private physician in Parasia. Allegedly, the child was administered Coldrif cough syrup, after which his condition worsened. He was initially treated locally, but as his condition became critical, he was referred to AIIMS Nagpur, where he remained hospitalized from October 2025 until his death. Despite intensive care, Harsh’s kidneys failed, leading to his demise after four months of struggle.

Family Complaint and Legal Action
Harsh’s uncle, Shyam Deva Yaduvanshi, had filed a written complaint with the Parasia SDM, alleging that the doctor knowingly administered the syrup despite its harmful effects, which led to the child’s kidney failure. Following the complaint, the SDOP directed that Harsh’s case be included in the ongoing investigation on 22 November 2025. The seized Coldrif syrup bottles manufactured by Shrisan Pharma have been documented in the police records.

Arrests and Ongoing Investigation
So far, police have arrested nine individuals connected to the case, including Dr. Praveen Soni, Jyoti Soni (clinic operator), Rangnathan (owner of Shrisan Pharma), chemical analyst K. Maheshwari, chemical supplier Shailendra Pandeya, medical representative Satish Verma, medical store owner Rajendra Soni, Saurabh Jain, and Anil Rasela. In a related case, Kundipura police have also made two additional arrests.

Concerns Over Private Clinic
Questions remain about the private clinic on Station Road, Parasia, where Harsh and several other children initially received treatment. According to Sanjay Patoria, the lawyer representing the family, the police diary names Dr. S.S. Thakur and Dr. Amit Thakur (father-son duo), yet no concrete action has been taken against the clinic or the doctors. The medical store that sold the toxic syrup has already been sealed.

Public Outrage and Demands for Justice
Harsh’s death has sparked widespread anger among his family and the community. Relatives argue that timely, stringent action against the culprits could have prevented further loss of life. They are now demanding strict legal action against all responsible parties and a transparent investigation into the entire Coldrif supply network.