“Just a Cold, Then He Was Gone”: Deadly Cough Syrup Claims 19 Young Lives

Jabalpur (The Uttam Hindu): What began as a simple cold-and-fever treatment has turned into a nationwide nightmare. A toxic cough syrup named “Coldrif” has claimed the lives of at least 19 infants and children across Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, leaving parents shattered and communities in shock.

Each story echoes the same chilling pattern — a mild illness, a doctor’s prescription, and a few doses of the syrup that ended in tragedy.

In Chhindwara, a grieving father recounted through tears, “My child had only a mild fever. We took him to Dr. Praveen Soni, who prescribed some medicines, including this syrup. As soon as we gave it, my baby started vomiting. The doctor gave an injection and told us to go home.”

He continued, “When we gave the next dose, the vomiting worsened. My child stopped eating altogether. We rushed back to the doctor, and from there, he was referred to Parasia, then Chhindwara, and finally Nagpur. But on the 27th, my child passed away.”

Another mother from Parasia, Chenwati Yadavanshi, shared a similar ordeal. “The day after giving the cough syrup, my son’s fever rose sharply. That night, he vomited continuously and screamed in pain. Doctors in Chhindwara said his condition was critical and advised us to go to Nagpur. We tried everything, but he died on the 26th. I hold Dr. Praveen Soni’s prescription responsible for his death.”

The administration has swung into action following the deaths. Authorities have confirmed 14 deaths in Chhindwara and 2 in Betul, with all victims showing signs of kidney failure. Dr. Praveen Soni, who treated all the affected children, has been suspended pending investigation.

Meanwhile, health officials in Jabalpur have sealed the warehouse of Kataria Pharmaceuticals, the distributor of the suspected toxic batch. Preliminary investigations reveal that the lethal syrup originated from this facility. The government has announced compensation for the bereaved families and deployed a special medical team in Nagpur to monitor the condition of eight other hospitalized children.

For dozens of parents, however, the damage is irreversible — their homes have fallen silent, and their children’s laughter has been replaced by endless grief.