Cough syrup deaths: Annamalai alleges TN drug controllers did not attend training session
Madurai (PTI): Tamil Nadu BJP former president K Annamalai on Sunday alleged that the state's drug controllers never attended the training sessions held by the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission and sought explanation from Chief Minister M K Stalin.
His remarks come in the wake of the investigation against the Kanchipuram-based manufacturer of Coldrif cough syrup, linked to the deaths of children in Madhya Pradesh, has brought to light lapses by the Tamil Nadu Food and Drug Administration in enforcing basic regulatory norms.
Licensed in 2011 by the Tamil Nadu Food and Drug Administration (TNFDA), Sresan Pharma continued operations unchecked for over a decade despite its dismal infrastructure and multiple violations of national drug safety rules, Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation said.
The cough syrup was found to be dangerously adulterated with the highly poisonous substance Diethylene Glycol (DEG).
Speaking to reporters at Madurai airport, Annamalai said the chief minister should take responsibility for the lapses.
He asked, "If they (drug controllers) don't attend training sessions, how would they know that diethylene glycol (DEG) is a toxic substance."
He also said the union government has now decided to test drugs for harmful content post production as well.
"There are many stages to drug testing, but they are mostly tested during production. Now, the central government has announced that it will also check post production to plug all gaps in India's drug safety regulations," said Annamalai.
He said as it has come to light that the cough syrup had more than 300 quality violations. It is clear that drug controllers and inspectors of Tamil Nadu have not checked it at all, he claimed.
"The Tamil Nadu government is responsible for this and they should not only explain why this came to pass, but should also take responsibility. Just suspending a couple of drug inspectors and controllers will not do," he insisted.
Following the deaths of at least 20 children, most of whom were under five, in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, the owner of the pharma company manufacturing the cough syrup, G Ranganathan, was arrested by the police on October 9.
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Regret participating in 'movement' that vilified ex-PM Manmohan Singh: Prashant Bhushan
New Delhi: Senior advocate and activist Prashant Bhushan has expressed regret over his past role in political movements that, he said, contributed to the vilification of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Bhushan made the remarks in a post on social media on the first death anniversary of Manmohan Singh.
In his post, Bhushan described Manmohan Singh as “a humble, decent, well educated and well meaning man,” adding that the former prime minister’s humility and decency were “seen as a weakness.” He said he regretted having participated in a movement that helped discredit Singh and, in his words, “helped a rogue regime come to power.”
Bhushan’s statement is widely seen as a reference to the anti-corruption movement that gained momentum during the second United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, when Manmohan Singh was prime minister. The movement, led by civil society activists, had targeted corruption allegations against the government and eventually reshaped India’s political landscape. Critics have since argued that the campaign contributed to undermining Singh’s leadership and paved the way for a change in government at the Centre.
Manmohan Singh, who served as prime minister from 2004 to 2014, was known for his low-profile style, technocratic approach and role in shaping India’s economic reforms.
He was a humble, decent, well educated & well meaning man. His humility & decency was seen as a weakness.
— Prashant Bhushan (@pbhushan1) December 26, 2025
I regret having participated in a movement that vilified him & helped a rogue regime come to power pic.twitter.com/6JWOrdCZdE
