The Madhya Pradesh Police SIT has brought Ranganathan Govindhan, owner of Tamil Nadu-based Sresan Pharmaceuticals, to Chhindwara court in connection with the toxic cough syrup tragedy that killed 25 children. Govindhan, arrested in Chennai, faces charges over the ‘Coldrif’ syrup deaths
CM Mohan Yadav at Nagpur with cough syrup victime children. Pic/PTI
After arresting the accused in the toxic cough syrup tragedy that took the lives of several children in Madhya Pradesh, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Madhya Pradesh Police has now taken Ranganathan Govindhan to Parasia (Chhindwara) court. Givindhan is the owner of Tamil Nadu-based Sresan Pharmaceuticals, who was arrested in connection with the deaths of 25 children due to toxic cough syrup.
As reported by the news agency IANS, Govindhan had a Rs 20,000 reward on his head. The owner of the pharmaceutical company was further apprehended in Chennai after he fled with his wife following the tragedy.
According to police sources, Govindhan will be produced before the Parasia court at 2 pm on Friday. As per the reports, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) is most likely to seek his remand for a few days.
MP Police’s SIT comprises of 12 members. In view of getting hold of the accused, six officers were dispatched to Tamil Nadu earlier this week to track Govindhan's movements; later, the officers arrested him on Wednesday.
Authorities feared he might flee abroad, as his children reside overseas. He has since been brought to Parasia in Chhindwara for further investigation, reported IANS.
The cough syrup in question, branded 'Coldrif', was found to contain dangerously high levels of diethylene glycol – a toxic chemical.
Meanwhile, the MP state government, in order to further investigate the case, also arranged post-mortem examinations of three deceased children. Moreover, the forensic teams are also working to gather technical evidence to strengthen the case.
The Madhya Pradesh government, acting strictly on this case, earlier suspended some officials and arrested Praveen Soni in Parasia for prescribing the toxic cough syrup 'Coldrif'.
However, the Indian Medical Association has protested Soni's arrest, as the association claimed doctors have no role in manufacturing any medicine.
The Association, according to its office-bearers, is looking into options to move the High Court challenging Dr Soni's arrest. Public outrage over the incident has intensified.
Earlier on Thursday, the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister also stated that his government will not spare anyone playing with the lives of children.
CM Mohan Yadav said, “Our government stands with every affected family. The safety of innocent children is our top priority. This tragic incident involving innocent children in Chhindwara has deeply saddened us,” as cited by ANI.
(With inputs from IANS and ANI)
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