The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched extensive searches across seven locations in Tamil Nadu following the arrest of G. Ranganathan, the 75-year-old proprietor of Sresan Pharma. The move comes after the tragic deaths of 22 children in Madhya Pradesh, allegedly caused by consuming Coldrif cough syrup manufactured by the Kancheepuram-based firm. Ranganathan, who was apprehended in Chennai’s Kodambakkam area by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) from Madhya Pradesh, faces serious charges including culpable homicide not amounting to murder, drug adulteration, and violations of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
Laboratory tests conducted on Batch SR-13 of the Coldrif syrup revealed the presence of dangerously high levels of diethylene glycol (DEG) — a toxic compound often associated with fatal poisoning incidents. Following the findings, Tamil Nadu’s Drug Control Department swiftly suspended Sresan Pharma’s manufacturing licence and sealed its facility in Sunguvarchatram, Kancheepuram. Two senior drug inspectors, Deepa Joseph and K. Karthikeyan, were also suspended for negligence in failing to conduct mandatory inspections of the plant, as required by law.
The ED has registered a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and is probing the financial aspects of the case, including possible links between company officials and regulatory authorities. Searches are being carried out at properties connected to Sresan Pharma employees and senior officials from the Tamil Nadu Drugs Control Department, including the residence of P.U. Karthikeyan, former Joint Director of Drugs Control. Notably, Karthikeyan was previously caught by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) for allegedly demanding a bribe of ₹25,000 from a factory owner in a separate case.
