Cough syrup tragedy: TN pharma firm owner at large after 20 deaths in Madhya Pradesh, hunt on to nab him

Coldrif cough syrup row

Police have launched a manhunt for G Ranganathan, 73, the owner of Sresan Pharmaceuticals in Tamil Nadu, after his company's Coldrif cough syrup, contaminated with a toxic chemical, led to the deaths of 20 children in Madhya Pradesh.

Ranganathan, a pharmacy graduate from Madras Medical College, who is a long-standing name in the state, built his reputation over more than four decades as the man behind Pronit, a nutritional syrup that once had a strong presence in the local market, The Times of India reported. In the early 1980s, he visited several paediatricians across Chennai to explain the benefits of the syrup for pregnant women.

The product rapidly gained popularity, but its success was halted when the state drug control department intervened, identifying its composition as requiring government approval. Although it was marketed as a “nutritional food supplement,” the ingredients used in its formulation needed prior authorization from the state drug control authorities.

Ranganathan was subsequently compelled to secure a proper licence, bringing the product into compliance.

Ranganathan was then forced to obtain a proper licence, bringing the product into compliance. Soon after, similar products began to emerge, and competition in the market pushed him to move into other areas, particularly liquid nasal products. He eventually expanded his business into several small manufacturing units located in and around Chennai, M N Sridhar, a retired drug control officer, was quoted by TOI as saying.

Over the years, Ranganathan came to head Sresan Pharmaceuticals and maintained association with Ceego Labs, while his close associates operated Iven Healthcare.

“Within industry circles, he earnedrecognition for mentoring younger entrepreneurs, guiding graduates who were interested in starting small-scale manufacturing ventures, and remaining visible at various conferences and meetings until very recently,” J Jeyaselan, a Chennai-based drug manufacturer, told TOI.

That professional image sharply contrasts with his current disappearance. His 2,000 sq ft unit on the Chennai-Bengaluru highway has been sealed, while his registered office in Kodambakkam remains locked.

Neighbours were quoted as saying that the premises, once a busy first-floor apartment office, was cleared out only last week. Employees were seen moving out equipment and computers late at night.

As per the report, a lone security guard now directs all visitors to Ranganathan’s lawyer, who has declined to provide any details. Industry insiders describe the developments as unexpected, noting that he had no prior association with any malpractice.