Killer Cough Syrup Batch Evaded All Checks

Batch SR-13 of the cough syrup Coldrif, implicated in the deaths of over 25 children in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, was found to have moved unimpeded through the entire supply chain. Investigators highlighted a "continuous and interlinked chain" of lapses, from raw material procurement to retail sales. The chargesheet revealed that industrial-grade material was allegedly sourced by Sresun Pharma, with financial transactions lacking transparency. Crucially, the company reportedly lacked adequate testing facilities, including gas chromatography, to detect dangerous contaminants like Diethylene Glycol (DEG).

Despite these deficiencies, Batch SR-13 was cleared and entered the distribution network. Irregularities at stockist and retail levels, including mismatched invoices and missing bottles, were noted. The investigation identified a critical juncture when unusual kidney injury cases emerged, prompting a discussion between a doctor and an expert about drug-induced toxicity, referencing past DEG tragedies. However, no immediate regulatory action followed, and the syrup remained in circulation.