New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate is conducting searches at seven premises in Chennai under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, in connection with the Coldrif cough syrup case. According to agency sources, premises include residences of top officials of the Tamil Nadu drug control office.
The locations raided are linked to Sresan Pharmaceuticals and its key employees. Sresan Pharmaceuticals is the manufacturer of Coldrif, which has allegedly led to deaths of 21 children. Raids, which are part of the ED’s money laundering probe, are also being conducted at residences of top officials of the Tamil Nadu drug control office.
In Chhindwara’s Parasia town of Madhya Pradesh, seven children fell ill, suffering from kidney damage, allegedly after they consumed Coldriff cough syrup. Nearly two dozen children are believed to have died in the state after consuming this cough syrup, which was found to contain lethal levels of diethylene glycol, and has been banned in multiple states since.
Owner of Sresan Pharmaceuticals, the Tamil Nadu-based S. Ranganathan, was arrested by a Madhya Pradesh Special Investigation Team in Chennai last week and now faces charges under Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita sections for culpable homicide and drug adulteration. According to the MP Police, the cough syrup was allegedly adulterated and a direct cause for children’s deaths.
The Tamil Nadu government has suspended two drug control department officers, responsible for inspections, but who had not carried out any inspections in the last 2 years.
Separately, the director (in-charge) of the drug control department, Government of Tamil Nadu, has been booked by the Anti-Corruption Bureau.
Besides the two FIRs, the ED has registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR). Searches are also being conducted in connection with the second case (anti-corruption) to trace the proceeds of crime and also find others who have been involved.
“The profits derived by sale of adulterated cough syrup resulting in the death of 21 children are proceeds of crime. The drug officers who did not do regular inspections and allowed production of adulterated cough syrup failed in discharge of public duties. The director (in-charge) was caught red-handed by the Anti-Corruption Bureau while accepting a bribe,” a source said.
(Edited by Viny Mishra)
Also read: A cough syrup’s trail of death, Kanchipuram to Chhindwara. ‘Son’s life cost Rs 30’