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Pharmaceutical Owner Arrested After 17 Child Deaths

10/9/2025

29 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

S Ranganathan, owner of Sresan Pharmaceuticals, was arrested over the deaths of 17 children.
The victims, all under five, died after using Coldrif syrup.
Coldrif contained diethylene glycol at nearly 500 times the safe limit.
Coldrif has been banned in multiple regions following confirmation of the toxin.
Indian law requires testing of every batch of raw materials and final products.

History

Historical Context

The 1937 Elixir Sulfanilamide tragedy, which resulted in 107 deaths due to toxic ingredients, led to the establishment of stricter drug regulations in the U.S., empowering the FDA to enforce rigorous testing. Similarly, the 2022 Gambia cough syrup scandal, linked to Indian manufacturer Maiden Pharmaceuticals, highlights ongoing global concerns about pharmaceutical safety and the need for stringent enforcement to prevent further tragedies.

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Story summary

S Ranganathan, owner of Sresan Pharmaceuticals, was arrested over the deaths of 17 children.
The victims, all under five, died after using Coldrif syrup.
Coldrif contained diethylene glycol at nearly 500 times the safe limit.
Coldrif has been banned in multiple regions following confirmation of the toxin.
Indian law requires testing of every batch of raw materials and final products.

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