Chhindwara (MP), Oct 9 – The death toll from kidney infections linked to a “contaminated” cough syrup in Madhya Pradesh has risen to 22, as two more children succumbed to the illness. Five-year-old Vishal passed away on Wednesday evening, while four-year-old Mayank Suryavanshi died late at night during treatment at a hospital in Nagpur, Maharashtra. Both children were residents of Parasia town in Chhindwara, according to Additional Collector Dhirendra Singh Netri.

The fatalities are attributed to suspected kidney failure caused by the toxic Coldrif cough syrup. Several other children from Madhya Pradesh are currently receiving treatment in Nagpur. In response to the alarming situation, the Madhya Pradesh Police established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the deaths and has initiated legal action against the Tamil Nadu-based manufacturer of Coldrif.

On Thursday, the SIT arrested Ranganathan Govindan, the owner of Sresan Pharma, in Chennai in connection with the adulterated cough syrup case. The police have also sealed the drug manufacturing facility linked to the product. Govindan is set to be presented in a Chennai court to secure his transit remand before being brought to Parasia by Friday.

In light of the investigation, the Madhya Pradesh government suspended two drug inspectors and a deputy director of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and transferred the state’s drug controller. Additionally, Dr. Praveen Soni, a local physician, has been arrested for alleged negligence related to the case. A local court in Parasia denied Soni’s bail application on Wednesday. The Indian Medical Association has threatened to initiate an indefinite strike in the district in protest against Dr. Soni’s arrest.