Investigation Launched into Deaths of 14 Children Linked to Contaminated Cough Syrup in Madhya Pradesh

Formation of Special Investigation Team

In response to the tragic deaths of 14 children in Chhindwara, allegedly due to kidney failure from consuming a toxic cough syrup, the Madhya Pradesh police have established a Special Investigation Team (SIT). Officials provided this update on Sunday.

Arrest and Legal Action

Authorities reported the arrest of Dr. Praveen Soni for negligence related to the children's deaths, while a case has been filed against the company producing 'Coldrif'.

Compensation for Affected Families

Dheerendra Singh, the additional district collector of Chhindwara, stated that Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has announced a compensation of four lakh rupees, which has been transferred to the bank accounts of the affected families.

Ongoing Medical Treatment

Currently, eight children are receiving treatment in Nagpur, with four in a government hospital, one at AIIMS, and three in private facilities. Additionally, two more children reportedly died in Betul district after consuming 'Coldrif'.

Protests and Reactions

Following Dr. Soni's arrest, his colleagues have threatened to strike starting Monday. Despite being a government doctor, he had been practicing at a private clinic and continued to advise children to consume the syrup even after its adverse effects became apparent.

Political Response

The opposition Congress party has announced protests beginning Monday to highlight the BJP government's failure in handling the situation and to demand increased financial assistance for the families of the deceased children. The Madhya Pradesh government has also banned the sale of 'Coldrif', manufactured by 'Shri San Pharmaceuticals' in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu.

Toxicity Findings

Officials have indicated that samples of the medicine contained dangerously high levels of toxic substances. Among the deceased children, 11 were from the Parasaiya subdivision, two from Chhindwara city, and one from Chaurai tehsil.

Investigation Details

A 12-member SIT has been formed under the leadership of Sub-Divisional Police Officer Jitendra Singh Jat, which will visit the pharmaceutical company in Tamil Nadu. So far, 1,102 samples from children have been collected, with 4,868 test results received out of a total of 5,657 tests conducted.

Government Actions

Chief Minister Yadav stated on Saturday that strict action would be taken against those responsible. The following day, Dr. Soni was suspended from service.

Medical Association's Stance

Kalpana Shukla, president of the Chhindwara unit of the Indian Medical Association, warned that if Dr. Soni is not released, all doctors will commence an indefinite strike on Monday.

Congress Party's Statement

The Congress party issued a statement criticizing the government's 'indifference' and the alleged delay in taking action regarding the rising child mortality rates, as well as the 'inadequate' compensation for affected families. They plan to hold a protest on October 6 at the fountain square in the district headquarters.

Legal Proceedings

Dr. Soni and the company are facing charges under sections 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and 276 (misbranding of drugs) of the Indian Penal Code. According to Superintendent of Police Ajay Pandey, relevant sections of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act have also been invoked against Soni.

Request for Investigation

Following the deaths, the Madhya Pradesh government wrote to the Tamil Nadu government on October 1, requesting an investigation into the drug manufacturer. Subsequently, the Tamil Nadu drug control department confirmed that 'Coldrif' produced by 'Shri San Pharmaceuticals' was indeed contaminated.

Toxic Substance Detected

Reports indicate that the syrup contained 48.6% diethylene glycol, a toxic chemical that can be lethal. Additionally, there have been reports of two children in Rajasthan dying after consuming cough syrup obtained from a government hospital.