Bhopal (MP): A horrifying case has shaken Madhya Pradesh’s healthcare system — 11 children have died after consuming a toxic cough syrup named “Coldrif.” Following the incident, the state Health Department has suspended Dr. Praveen Soni, a pediatrician at Parasia Civil Hospital, for gross negligence and misconduct.
The syrup, later confirmed to contain dangerously high levels of diethylene glycol (DEG) — a lethal industrial chemical used in antifreeze — caused severe kidney failure in the affected children, most of whom were under five years old.
⚖️ Official Action and Suspension
The suspension order, issued by Health Commissioner Tarun Rathi, accuses Dr. Soni of prescribing the toxic medicine during his private practice and failing to conduct adequate medical evaluations.
He has been transferred to the Regional Director of Health Services Office in Jabalpur, where he will receive only a subsistence allowance during his suspension.
“Soni’s actions have severely tarnished the reputation of the Health Department and demonstrated his inability to uphold professional responsibilities,” the suspension order stated.
🧪 Toxicology Findings
Laboratory analysis revealed diethylene glycol (DEG) concentrations between 46.28% and 48.6% in samples of the “Coldrif” syrup — far exceeding safe limits.
This toxic compound is known to cause acute kidney failure, neurological damage, and death, especially in young children.
🩺 Symptoms Reported Before Death
- High fever
- Difficulty urinating
- Vomiting and dehydration
- Sudden kidney failure
- Rapid health deterioration within days
Doctors later confirmed that the cause was DEG poisoning, which can damage vital organs even in small doses.
📍 Timeline of Events
| Date/Stage | Event Description |
|---|---|
| Early September 2025 | Children in Parasia area reported sick with cough and fever |
| Mid-September | Several deaths reported after consuming “Coldrif” syrup |
| Late September | Toxicology report confirmed presence of DEG |
| 1st October | Health Commissioner suspended Dr. Praveen Soni |
| 2nd October | FIR registered against Dr. Soni and Shreesan Pharmaceuticals |
| 3rd October | Soni arrested in late-night operation led by SP Ajay Pandey |
⚖️ FIR and Legal Proceedings
A First Information Report (FIR) was registered at Parasia police station under:
- Sections 105 and 276 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
- Section 27(A) of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act
Both Dr. Praveen Soni and Shreesan Pharmaceuticals (Tamil Nadu) — the manufacturer of “Coldrif” — are under investigation.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to probe the company’s role in the tragedy.
⚠️ Public Outrage and Accountability
The incident has triggered nationwide outrage, with citizens demanding:
- Stricter monitoring of pediatric drug prescriptions
- Tougher quality checks for pharmaceutical products
- Legal reforms to prevent medical negligence and fake medicines
Parents in the affected region have spoken out, calling for justice and accountability from both the medical community and drug regulators.
🗣️ Authorities’ Response
Health officials have promised a transparent and thorough investigation.
The Superintendent of Police, Ajay Pandey, confirmed that Dr. Soni treated the majority of the affected children and was arrested based on the Block Medical Officer’s report.
🔍 Expert Opinion
Medical experts emphasize that diethylene glycol poisoning has caused multiple child deaths in India in recent years, and this tragedy should serve as a wake-up call for regulators.
“Strict testing, prescription oversight, and accountability mechanisms are urgently needed to prevent another Coldrif-like disaster,” said a senior toxicologist from AIIMS Bhopal.
📈 Key Takeaways
- 11 children dead due to toxic “Coldrif” cough syrup in Madhya Pradesh.
- Pediatrician Dr. Praveen Soni suspended for gross negligence.
- Syrup contained industrial-grade diethylene glycol.
- Manufacturer (Shreesan Pharmaceuticals) under legal investigation.
- Case registered under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita & Drugs Act.
- Nationwide outrage demanding stronger drug safety laws.
