In a significant political move, Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Jitu Patwari leveled serious accusations against the state government on Saturday, October 11, 2025. He alleged that governmental negligence directly led to the deaths of more than 20 children who consumed a ‘toxic’ cough syrup. Patwari is vehemently demanding the immediate resignation of the state’s Health Minister and a thorough Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into these tragic fatalities.
Labeling the incident as ‘culpable homicide,’ Patwari also insisted on the registration of a formal case against the drug controller. Furthermore, he called for the Principal Secretary of the state health department to be removed from their post, highlighting a systemic failure that contributed to the crisis.
The devastating incident has seen at least 22 children from Madhya Pradesh, primarily from the Chhindwara district, succumb to suspected renal failure after consuming ‘Coldrif’ cough syrup. This medicine was reportedly manufactured by Sresan Pharma in Kancheepepuram, Tamil Nadu. Several other children are currently receiving critical care in hospitals in Nagpur, Maharashtra.
Authorities have already arrested G. Ranganathan, the owner of Sresan Pharma, in connection with the case.
Speaking to reporters, Patwari made a stark claim: “Over the past three months, more than 150 children’s deaths have been recorded in different districts of the state. They were not caused by any disease but were government-sponsored killings.”
He further alleged that a laboratory in Nagpur had alerted the Madhya Pradesh health department on September 19, unequivocally stating that the deaths were due to contaminated medicine, not illness. “Despite that, the Health Minister did not act on the report and continued to participate in festive events,” Patwari asserted.
Many children from Chhindwara, where the impact was severe, were transported to Nagpur hospitals, approximately 150 km away, for advanced medical treatment, only to tragically die of renal failure.
The Congress leader detailed the timeline of the tragedy: “More than 25 children have died after consuming toxic Coldrif cough syrup. The first death occurred on September 3, but even after eight children had died, no post-mortem procedures were conducted and no departmental meetings were held.”
Reiterating his demands, Patwari declared, “We demand that the Health Minister resigns immediately and the Principal Secretary (Health) be removed. An FIR should also be registered against the drug controller and a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe be ordered. These deaths occurred not due to any illness but it is an act of culpable homicide.” Currently, the state health ministry portfolio is held by MP Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla.
To amplify their call for justice, Patwari announced that his party would observe a one-day fast and organize demonstrations outside children’s hospitals across all districts, demanding accountability from the government.
Patwari concluded his appeal by urging citizens: “This is not merely a political issue but a matter of our children’s lives. People must raise their voice and question the government. Use social media and every available platform to wake it up.”