Chhindwara: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the cough syrup tragedy in Madhya Pradesh, which claimed the lives of 24 children, has arrested the wife of accused Dr Praveen Soni, officials confirmed on Tuesday.
Dr Soni, a Chhindwara-based practitioner, was taken into custody last month for alleged negligence after several children died from kidney failure linked to the consumption of the contaminated cough syrup Coldrif. The medicine was reportedly prescribed by him to many of the affected children. According to officials, Dr Soni’s wife was detained following fresh evidence indicating her possible involvement in the handling and supply of the syrup. The SIT is investigating whether she had a role in the procurement or distribution of the medicine that led to the fatalities.
Authorities said that samples of Coldrif were earlier found to be contaminated with toxic chemicals during laboratory testing, prompting a wider crackdown on the manufacturer and associated distributors. The deaths, which occurred in Chhindwara district, have sparked outrage and raised questions over quality control and regulation in the pharmaceutical supply chain. “The investigation is progressing rapidly. We have collected key documents, medical records, and statements from pharmacists and suppliers involved in the case,” a senior police official said, adding that more arrests could follow based on forensic findings.
The state government had constituted the SIT to probe the tragedy after initial reports pointed to lapses in drug quality testing and the circulation of substandard batches. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has also been assisting in tracing the source of contamination. The tragedy has once again highlighted the urgent need for strict monitoring of over-the-counter medicines, particularly paediatric formulations, to prevent such incidents in the future.
