At least 20 children have died and five others are being treated for kidney failure in Madhya Pradesh after reportedly consuming a contaminated cough syrup, Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla said on Tuesday (October 7, 2025).

Seventeen of the victims were from Chhindwara district, two from Betul, and one from Pandhurna, he said.

“Some children who were older have recovered, but two children died today [Tuesday] and one child died last night. Earlier, 17 children had died,” Mr. Shukla said after visiting hospitals in Nagpur.

He added, “Two children are admitted here [Government Medical College, Nagpur], two are at AIIMS, and one is at a private hospital. [Chief Minister] Mohan Yadavji’s government has made all arrangements so that they don’t face any problems during treatment or any financial burden.”

The children had reportedly fallen ill after consuming ‘Coldrif’ syrup to treat fever and cold. Many developed vomiting and difficulty urinating, officials said. The first death was reported on September 2.

The syrup was manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceuticals, based in Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu. Investigations by the drug control departments of Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh revealed that the syrup contained over 45% diethylene glycol, a toxic chemical known to cause serious kidney damage. Following the findings, both states banned the sale of the product.

The Madhya Pradesh Police have arrested Dr. Praveen Soni, a government paediatrician from Parasia in Chhindwara, for prescribing the medicine to several children who later died. Authorities have also booked the manufacturer and formed a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the case.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said the state will cover all medical expenses of the affected children being treated in Nagpur.
 “On the Chief Minister’s instructions, the Chhindwara Collector has formed three teams to assist the children undergoing treatment in Nagpur,” a government statement said.

Following Dr. Soni’s arrest, several doctors in Parasia launched an indefinite strike and held demonstrations demanding his release. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) Parasia unit also submitted a memorandum to the Chhindwara Additional Collector.

“They are demanding his release, but the administration has not given them any assurance. The action has been taken by the police based on facts. If they have any issues with it, they can approach the courts,” a district official said.

Speaking to The Hindu, Dr. Ankur Batra, general surgeon and secretary of the IMA Parasia unit, said, “He is not a criminal but a very senior doctor. He should not be treated this way. Action should be taken against the drug manufacturers and those who approved it for use. He only prescribed it.”

Dr. Batra added that members of the dental association, the pharma association, and other local bodies joined the protest. “We demand that he be released immediately and the investigation can continue as usual. It will be an indefinite strike until he is released,” he said, adding that a silent rally is planned for Wednesday (October 8).