Amid growing concern over the deaths of several children allegedly linked to a toxic cough syrup, West Bengal has become the latest state to ban the sale of the product. The move follows similar actions by Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, where the deaths were first reported. The Bengal Chemists and Druggists Association (BCDA) has issued an urgent directive instructing all retail and wholesale drug sellers across the state to immediately stop selling the cough syrup ‘Coldrif’.
According to the BCDA, the decision was taken as a precautionary measure after reports emerged that the syrup may have played a role in the deaths of children in Madhya Pradesh. Although the specific batch linked to the incident has not reached West Bengal, the association emphasised the importance of acting swiftly to ensure public safety.
A meeting with drug vendors has been scheduled for October 11 to review the situation and ensure compliance with the ban.
Sources in the Drug Control Department said the manufacturer of the controversial syrup — Srisan Pharmaceuticals, a Tamil Nadu–based company — has come under intense scrutiny. The company’s owner, G Ranganathan, was arrested by the Madhya Pradesh Police from Chennai on Thursday in connection with the case.
“Investigations have revealed that the syrup contained propylene glycol, glycerin and sorbitol. Authorities have directed that these ingredients must henceforth be sourced only from approved suppliers and tested in government-accredited laboratories. The test reports are to be submitted to the Drug Control Board’s licensing authority,” said an official of the state health department.
However, pediatric experts have cautioned that the true cause of toxicity may stem from the presence of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol — chemical compounds known to cause kidney failure and often implicated in previous cases of syrup-related deaths.
Meanwhile, the factory of Srisan Pharmaceuticals, spread over 2,000 square meters along the Chennai–Bengaluru highway, has been sealed by authorities. The company’s registered office in Kodambakkam, Chennai, has also been locked down.
Police sources said a joint team of Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu officers conducted coordinated raids on Wednesday and Thursday, leading to Ranganathan’s arrest.
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