In this picture published on October 6, 2025, Madhya Pradesh, Main Yadav, encounters family members of children who died due to suspicion of kidney failure, allegedly caused by cough syrup consumption in the CHHINDWARA district in Madhya Pradesh. Photo: @CMMADHYAPRADESH/X VIA PTI Photo
Deputy Chief Minister Madhya Pradesh Rajendra Shukl said on Tuesday (October 7, 2025) that 20 children died after drinking contaminated syrup coughs, while five are handling kidney failure.
Of the 20 children, 17 are from the CHINDWARA district, two from the betula and one of Pandhurna.
“Some of the children who were older were recovered, but today (Tuesday) two children died and one child yesterday (Monday) died. Before 17, 17 children died,” said Mr. Shukla after visiting hospitals in Nagpur.
“There are two children (Government Medical College, Nagpur), two are in Aiims and one is in a private hospital.
After suffering from fever and cold, the children consumed the syrup “CoDrif”, which led to vomiting and problems with urination. The first death was reported on 2 September. The syrup was made by Sresan Pharmaceuticals based in Kancheepuram Tamil Nadu.
At the beginning of this month, they found that the drug control authorities found Madhya Pradesh that the syrup was falsified more than 45% of diethylene glycol, causing serious health problems, leading to both states to ban syrup.
Police Madhya Pradesh also arrested Pondeen Soni, a government pediatrician in Chhindwara’s Parasia, for prescribing a drug to many children (who died later) and also reserved the manufacturers and created a special investigation team (SIT) to explore this case.
In Focus podcast | Cough Syrue’s death: Where India spoils with medicines
State to finance treatment
Madya Pradesh, Minister Madesh Mohan Yadav said that the state government will bear the cost of handling children currently admitted in Nagpur.
“Based on the instructions of the Chief Minister, the collector of Chhindware created three teams that help children be subject to treatment in Nagpur,” the government statement said.
Demonstration of doctors
After the pediatrician arrest, several doctors submitted a demonstration in Parasia and started an indefinite strike, while the district unit of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) demanded immediate release of Dr. Soni.
The delegation of doctors also submitted a memorandum to another CHINDWARA collector. “They demand his release, but the administration did not give them any certainty. The police accepted a step on the basis of reality. If they have any problems, they can approach the courts,” he said.
Ankur Batra, General Surgeon and IMA Parasia Unit, claimed that accusations against Dr. Soni is false, and that the government “does not act against those who are tragedy” claimed that accusations against Dr. Soni claimed that the accusation of Dr. Soni is false and the government “does not act against those who are truly responsible for the tragedy”.
“He’s not a criminal but a very higher physician. He should not be treated with him in this way. Measures should be taken against drug manufacturers and those who approved it for use.
“We require that to be released immediately and the investigation can continue as usual. It will be an indefinite strike until it is released,” he added.
He said that they were also joined by members of the Association of Dental Association, Pharma Association and other local authorities. On Wednesday (October 8) there will be a quiet rally.
Published – October 7, 2025 22:07
