In the case of 18 children dying after consuming cough syrup in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, advocate Vishal Tiwari has filed a Public Interest Litigation in the Supreme Court, demanding a CBI investigation and seizure of stock.
New Delhi. The case of children's deaths after consuming cough syrup in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan has now reached the Supreme Court. In this matter, advocate Vishal Tiwari has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) demanding an independent investigation by the CBI and strict action against those responsible. The petition states that negligence in the manufacturing and distribution of this syrup has claimed the lives of innocent children.
Demand for CBI Investigation and Stock Seizure
The Public Interest Litigation demands the immediate seizure of all existing stock of the cough syrup. The petitioner states that merely stopping sales is not enough; a thorough investigation of the entire stock and manufacturing process is essential. Additionally, the petition proposes that the investigation of all FIRs (First Information Reports) be handed over to the CBI to ensure that no case is influenced by governmental or local pressure.
Investigation Under the Supervision of a Retired Supreme Court Judge
The petition also states that the investigation into the manufacturing, regulation, testing, and distribution of the cough syrup should be conducted under the supervision of a retired judge of the Supreme Court. This step would ensure that the investigation is fair and transparent and that such incidents do not recur in the future.
Detailed Figures of Deaths
According to official figures, a total of 18 child deaths have been reported in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan so far. Of these, 16 deaths occurred in Madhya Pradesh's Chhindwara district, while 2 children lost their lives in Rajasthan's Bharatpur and Sikar districts. Preliminary investigations revealed that the cough syrup contained 48.6% of a toxic chemical called Diethylene Glycol (DEG), which is causing kidney failure.
Stance of Central and State Governments
Considering the seriousness of the matter, the Central Government has initiated risk-based inspections at 19 drug manufacturing units across six states. This action is being taken to ensure that no other medicines contain toxic elements. Additionally, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to the governments of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, directing them to conduct immediate investigations and ban counterfeit drugs.
Warning for Parents
Vishal Tiwari and other experts have appealed to parents to exercise caution when giving any cough syrup to their children. They should only administer medicines that are government-approved and tested. Furthermore, any information about suspicious syrup or medicine should be immediately reported to the health department or the CBI.
