The death toll from the alleged toxic cough syrup tragedy in Madhya Pradesh has climbed to 17, after a 1.5-year-old girl from Chhindwara succumbed to kidney failure. The syrup, identified as Coldrif, was found to contain Diethylene Glycol, a highly toxic industrial chemical.
Following reports of child deaths, the Health Ministry confirmed that the syrup exceeded permissible safety limits. Multiple states – including Punjab, Haryana, and Telangana – have since banned or restricted the product.
The Congress Party accused Health Minister Rajendra Shukla of downplaying the crisis and demanded a judicial inquiry. The NHRC has issued notices to the governments of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, seeking accountability and preventive measures.
Meanwhile, several children remain hospitalized in critical condition, as investigations into the manufacturer and distribution network continue.
