Coldrif syrup owner Ranganathan sent on 10-day remand:Accused claims in court, ‘I’m unaware of charges’; SIT to probe incident

The investigation into the contaminated cough syrup case has taken a significant turn. Madhya Pradesh police presented the accused owner of Tamil Nadu-based company Sresan Pharmaceuticals, Ranganathan Govindan, in Parasia Court, Chhindwara, on Friday. The court granted a 10-day police remand for questioning, extending until October 20. This is the same company whose Coldrif cough syrup caused the deaths of several children in Chhindwara and surrounding areas. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) had arrested Govindan last week in Chennai and brought him to Chhindwara for further interrogation. SIT to conduct detailed investigation The Chhindwara police and SIT will question Govindan to uncover the roots of the entire incident. Officials believe multiple irregularities in the company’s drug production and distribution may have directly contributed to the deaths of children. During the remand, the SIT aims to gather information about the company’s registration process, the partners involved, and the level at which manufacturing standards were ignored. Investigators will also examine why the drug was specially supplied to Chhindwara while its distribution in other districts was limited. Accused claims ignorance of charges Ranganathan Govindan (75) claimed he was unaware of the charges against him. He was presented before First Class Judicial Magistrate Shailendra Uike at 5:20 PM. After being refused representation by several lawyers, Govindan defended himself and said, “I am a heart patient with high blood sugar and blood pressure. My syrup is supplied to five states, and no complaints have been made there.” When asked in court, “Do you know the charges against you?” he initially remained silent and then said, “I have no information.” The court approved a 10-day police remand until October 20. Statements of parents whose children died due to kidney failure were recorded during the investigation. Examining links between doctor and company A crucial part of the investigation will focus on the company’s connection with Dr. Praveen Soni, who allegedly administered the syrup to children. Preliminary reports from the Health Department had already flagged Dr. Soni’s involvement. The SIT will determine if there were any financial or business links between the doctor and the company. Possible production of banned syrup Investigators also suspect that Sresan Pharmaceuticals had been producing unapproved or substandard cough syrup for a long time. During the remand, Govindan will be questioned about the production timeline, chemicals used, and quality checks conducted post-manufacturing. Tracing remaining stock in Madhya Pradesh Police are also trying to identify how many bottles of S-13 syrup remain in Madhya Pradesh and how many have already been seized. Multiple districts are under scrutiny to ensure no remaining stock reaches the public. Investigation could expand further Authorities plan to extend the investigation to all individuals involved in the company’s supply chain, including medical store owners, suppliers, transport agents, and distributors. The SIT believes there may be more people involved in circulating the illegal syrup in the market. Families hope for justice The deaths have left the entire Chhindwara district in shock. Families of the victims hope that Govindan’s arrest and ongoing investigation will uncover the truth and ensure strict punishment for all responsible parties. ​