In a significant development concerning the deaths of children linked to contaminated cough syrup, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched a series of raids in Chennai. The investigation is focused on a potential money laundering angle involving the product ‘Coldrif’ cough syrup, which has been tragically associated with fatalities in Madhya Pradesh.
The federal agency is conducting searches at seven different locations within Chennai. Sources indicate that these raids are targeting not only business premises but also the residences of key officials within the Tamil Nadu drug control office, suggesting a broad scope to the investigation.
This move follows earlier actions taken by law enforcement. Last week, G Ranganathan, the owner of Sresan Pharma Company, the firm reportedly responsible for manufacturing the cough syrup, was apprehended by the police in Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Additionally, two state drug inspectors have been suspended by the Tamil Nadu government as part of the inquiry.
The Tamil Nadu government had previously ordered the immediate closure of Sresan Pharma’s operations after the alleged adulterated cough syrup, Coldrif, was found to be linked to the deaths of numerous children in Madhya Pradesh. The government has also stated its intention to permanently revoke the company’s manufacturing license.
The ED’s money laundering probe is being conducted based on the findings from the ongoing police investigations. Officials aim to scrutinize the financial dealings of the company and any associated individuals. It is expected that Ranganathan will be taken into ED custody for further questioning once legal procedures are completed with the Madhya Pradesh police.