Sresan Pharma owner G. Ranganathan arrested over cough syrup deaths.
Authorities sealed Ranganathan’s factory on Chennai-Bengaluru Highway; office closed.
Sresan Pharma Owner G. Ranganathan Arrested Over Contaminated Cough Syrup Deaths
Chennai: G. Ranganathan, proprietor of Kancheepuram-based Sresan Pharmaceuticals, was arrested on Thursday morning (October 9, 2025) by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) from Madhya Pradesh in Chennai. The arrest comes in connection with the production of contaminated cough syrup allegedly responsible for the deaths of several children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
The tragic incidents, which shook communities in both states, prompted swift investigations by local authorities and central agencies. Reports suggest that the syrup, intended for children, contained harmful substances that led to multiple fatalities, raising serious questions about manufacturing practices and regulatory oversight.
Following Ranganathan’s arrest, the SIT, in coordination with Chennai police, carried out a thorough search at Sresan Pharmaceuticals’ manufacturing unit located in Sunguvarchatram, Kancheepuram. Investigators meticulously examined production records, batch samples, and other relevant documents to trace the source of contamination and determine the scope of responsibility.
The company’s registered office in Kodambakkam was also found to be closed at the time of the investigation, and authorities have kept both the manufacturing facility and office under scrutiny to prevent any tampering with records.
The confirmation of contaminated production was detailed in a report submitted by the Tamil Nadu Director of Drugs Control to the Madhya Pradesh government on October 4. This report played a critical role in guiding the SIT’s actions and establishing a clear link between Sresan Pharmaceuticals’ products and the reported child deaths.
Officials emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing, with further tests and analyses being conducted on stored samples and production materials. “We are committed to ensuring that justice is delivered swiftly and that such incidents do not recur,” a senior SIT officer said.
The case has raised nationwide concerns over the quality control measures adopted by pharmaceutical companies, especially those producing pediatric medicines. Experts and public health advocates have called for stricter monitoring, routine audits, and more rigorous certification processes to safeguard children from preventable harm.
Local communities, meanwhile, have expressed shock and grief over the fatalities, highlighting the urgent need for accountability and transparency in the pharmaceutical sector. Families affected by the tragedy are seeking compensation and answers, and the investigation is expected to shed light on the extent of negligence involved.
As the SIT continues its probe, authorities are also coordinating with other state drug control departments to ensure that potentially harmful products are recalled and that similar incidents are prevented in the future.
This case underscores the critical importance of pharmaceutical safety standards and regulatory vigilance, reminding both manufacturers and regulators that lapses in quality control can have devastating human consequences.