ED Raids Tainted Cough Syrup Maker and FDA Officials After Child Deaths

Diethylene glycol (DEG) is an industrial solvent, not approved for medical use, that can cause acute kidney and liver failure and even death when ingested, especially in children. Its presence in Coldrif cough syrup—reportedly at 48.6% concentration—made the medicine highly toxic and directly linked to the deaths of at least 22 children in Madhya Pradesh.

The contamination was reportedly detected only after children started falling ill and dying. Preliminary investigations suggest lapses in both manufacturing quality control and regulatory oversight, with questions raised about whether drug inspectors and the Tamil Nadu FDA failed to catch the adulteration during routine checks. Multiple states have now banned the product and launched broader investigations into drug regulation systems.

The Enforcement Directorate has raided Sresan Pharmaceuticals and Tamil Nadu FDA officials in a money-laundering probe[summary]. The company’s owner was arrested by Madhya Pradesh Police, and a pediatrician was also detained, though medical associations have criticized focusing on doctors rather than manufacturers and regulators. Several drug inspectors and FDA officials have been suspended or transferred as part of the ongoing investigation.

This incident has intensified scrutiny of India’s pharmaceutical sector, already under global attention for past quality issues. It highlights systemic gaps in drug regulation, with calls for stricter manufacturing standards, more rigorous testing, and greater accountability for both companies and regulators. The case may prompt reforms to prevent similar tragedies and restore public and international trust in Indian-made medicines.