Police in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh have arrested the owner of a pharmaceutical company after a toxic cough syrup produced by the firm led to the deaths of 17 young children. A senior police official confirmed the arrest to Reuters.
Investigations began against a company named Srisen Pharmaceutical Manufacturer after multiple deaths of children under the age of five were reported. Forensic analysis revealed that the cough syrup contained diethylene glycol, a poisonous chemical, at levels 500 times higher than the permitted limit. This substance is believed to have caused the fatalities.
The World Health Organization has sought an explanation from India regarding the incident and inquired whether the contaminated syrup was also exported abroad. The agency stated that it would consider issuing a global medical alert after receiving confirmation from Indian authorities.
Meanwhile, the state of Telangana has issued a notice banning the use of two cough syrups as a precautionary measure, citing the presence of toxic chemicals.
