Indian police have arrested the owner of a pharmaceutical company after a cough syrup made at his factory was linked to the deaths of at least 21 children. Officials confirmed the arrest on Thursday, saying the medicine contained a deadly toxin that caused fatal poisoning among the victims.
According to authorities, the majority of the children were under the age of five. They died in Madhya Pradesh state over the past month after being prescribed the contaminated syrup. Health officials have since sealed the plant and collected samples for further laboratory testing.
Preliminary reports suggest that the cough syrup contained high levels of diethylene glycol, a toxic substance commonly used in antifreeze and industrial solvents. Consumption of the chemical can cause kidney failure and other severe health complications. Investigations are underway to determine how the contamination occurred and whether there was negligence in the manufacturing process.
Police have also detained several staff members of the company for questioning. The owner, whose name has not been disclosed, faces serious charges related to negligence, illegal manufacturing, and the sale of toxic medicine. Authorities are expanding the probe to identify potential violations of pharmaceutical safety standards.
The Indian health ministry has ordered an immediate review of cough syrup production across the region. Officials are now working to withdraw all remaining batches of the contaminated product from pharmacies and hospitals. Local health workers have also launched awareness campaigns to warn parents against using unverified medicines for children.
This tragic case has reignited debate over the safety and regulation of India’s pharmaceutical industry. Experts have long warned about poor quality control and weak oversight in smaller drug manufacturing units. The latest incident underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement of safety standards and better testing procedures before medicines reach the market.
Public outrage has grown as families of the victims demand justice. Many have called for stronger penalties against companies that compromise on quality and safety. The incident has also drawn international attention, as India remains one of the world’s largest exporters of generic medicines.
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The arrest of the pharma company owner marks a crucial step in the investigation. Authorities promise swift action to ensure such a tragedy never happens again, while families continue to seek justice for the 21 innocent lives lost.
