Another child from Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh died of kidney failure during treatment at a Nagpur hospital on Saturday, taking the total number of deaths in the district to 14 — all suspected to be caused by the consumption of adulterated Coldrif cough syrup.
Two-year-old Yogita, a resident of the Parasia area in Chhindwara, died during treatment at a Nagpur hospital this morning.
According to Parasia Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Saurabh Kumar Yadav, 11 children have died in the sub-division so far.
In total, 14 children — including 11 from Parasia sub-division, two from Chhindwara city, and one from Chaurai tehsil — all in Chhindwara district, have died between 7 September and today.
The SDM said that six children, including five in Nagpur and one in Chhindwara, are still undergoing treatment, with the condition of three admitted in Nagpur described as critical.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav on Saturday announced a statewide ban on Coldrif syrup with immediate effect. He also declared an ex gratia compensation of ₹4 lakh each for the families of the deceased children.
However, former MP Chief Minister and Chhindwara Congress MLA Kamal Nath demanded compensation of ₹50 lakh for the kin of each deceased child, terming the deaths “a man-made tragedy.”
“In this hour of grief, my condolences are with the bereaved families. But it must be remembered that this is not merely an accident but a man-made tragedy. I urge the Madhya Pradesh government to provide ₹50 lakh each to the families of the deceased children,” Nath reiterated.
On Friday, Kamal Nath had alleged that ‘brake oil solvent,’ a highly toxic substance, was mixed in the adulterated Coldrif cough syrup.
The syrup’s test report, received on Saturday, revealed that it contains 48.6% diethylene glycol (DEG).
Tests conducted by the Government Drug Analyst at the Drug Testing Laboratory, Chennai, confirmed the presence of 48.6% diethylene glycol — a toxic chemical with serious health hazards.
According to information available publicly, diethylene glycol (DEG) is an industrial solvent used in antifreeze, paints, brake fluids, and plastics. It is not meant for medicinal use but can contaminate pharmaceutical ingredients.
When ingested, DEG can cause severe damage to the kidneys, liver, and nervous system. Symptoms in children begin with nausea, abdominal pain, and reduced urination; in severe cases, it can rapidly progress to acute kidney failure, seizures, and death.
Children are particularly vulnerable, as even trace amounts relative to their body weight can be fatal.
In a similar tragedy in 2022, at least 70 children had died in Gambia due to adulterated cough syrup.