CM Mohan Yadav transfers state drug controller, suspends three officials in cough syrup-children death

The Madhya Pradesh government has taken action following the death of 14 children in Chhindwara district due to suspected renal failure linked to the consumption of a "toxic" cough syrup. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Monday suspended two drug inspectors and a deputy director of the Food and Drug Administration, while also transferring the state's Drug Controller Dinesh Maurya, after reviewing the situation in a high-level meeting.

According to officials, the suspended drug inspectors are Gaurav Sharma and Sharad Kumar Jain, posted in Chhindwara and Jabalpur respectively. The suspended Deputy Director has been identified as Shobhit Costa. Later in the day, CM Yadav visited Parasia and met the



families of the deceased children, assuring them of government support and a fair investigation.

Chief Minister Yadav said strict action will be taken against those responsible for the tragedy and made it clear that negligence of any kind would not be tolerated. He directed officials to confiscate all available stocks of the banned Coldrif cough syrup from shops and homes across Chhindwara and neighbouring districts. Yadav also instructed that the quality of other medicines sold in the area be rechecked to ensure safety.

"Strict action will be taken against those responsible for the tragic deaths of children, and no negligence will be tolerated," Yadav said during the meeting.