The Chhindwara cough syrup tragedy in Madhya Pradesh has intensified as the death of another child on Saturday raised the toll to 11. The incident has sparked nationwide outrage, with the opposition Congress questioning the BJP state government’s handling of the case. Concerns have also been raised over the delayed action against Nestra DS syrup, which remains under investigation.
Main Story
Despite repeated assurances, the Madhya Pradesh BJP government has faced criticism over the handling of the Chhindwara case. Local anger is mounting as neither the Chief Minister nor other state ministers have personally visited the affected families. Sources claim the government is attempting to avoid protests during official visits, while opposition leaders like Kamal Nath and Nakul Nath have limited their response to social media posts.
As of now, 11 children have died, and 12 remain in critical condition. Following public pressure, the state government banned Coldrif cough syrup, which was identified as the cause of the deaths. Investigations revealed that diethylene glycol in the syrup exceeded safe limits by 480 times, causing acute kidney failure in children.
However, Nestra DS syrup has not been banned, as authorities await the lab report. The State Food and Drug Controller stated that further action will be taken once the investigation is complete, raising questions over the delayed preventive measures.
Current Status & Medical Updates
4,600 children under five have been tested so far; 4,411 were negative.
12 children are receiving treatment—4 at the Chhindwara District Hospital and 8 in Nagpur.
No post-mortems have been conducted due to families’ reluctance.
Parasia SDM Shubham Yadav confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, and authorities are monitoring the remaining test results.
Government Response & Investigation
Initially, Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister Rajendra Shukla gave a clean chit to the cough syrup company. However, after toxicology reports surfaced, the government banned Coldrif and formed a state-level investigation committee. The manufacturing factory in Tamil Nadu is also under scrutiny, with potential major action against the company expected.
Opposition Reaction
The Congress party has demanded the resignation of Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla, calling the incident a case of murder due to negligence. Congress leader Mukesh Nayak criticized the Drug Controller’s failure to act and urged the government to hold responsible officials accountable.
Impact & Public Concern
The incident has highlighted gaps in India’s drug approval and monitoring system, especially for medicines administered to children. Parents in Chhindwara and nearby areas are alarmed, demanding stricter checks and immediate accountability.
