‘A…Anar ka meetha dana’, Chhindwara mother recalls son’s last words:5-year-old Adnan kept asking for Frooti in ICU; MP families mourn lost children

The grief of losing a child haunts every parent in Parasia and Chhindwara. Mothers and fathers watched helplessly as their children suffered unbearable pain from fever, vomiting, and kidney failure caused by Coldrif cough syrup. Some children asked for water or to go home, while others struggled to breathe. Families rushed from local clinics to district hospitals, and then to Nagpur, spending lakhs of rupees on treatment. Yet, despite every effort, 19 children have now died, leaving parents devastated and searching for answers. Tragedy in Parasia: Families share pain Two women spoke in a shared auto in Parasia, Chhindwara. One said her child had a slight cold and cough. He was admitted in Nagpur and never returned alive. Another woman said a local child fell ill. His parents first took him to a private doctor, spending Rs 300. The medicine made him vomit. They rushed him to Nagpur, but he did not survive. At that time, everyone in Parasia was talking only about children dying after drinking cough syrup. Families remain shocked. Government investigation and rising death toll The government has launched a full investigation. Action has been taken against those responsible. Politics has also started around the tragedy. So far, 19 children have died. When a Bhaskar reporter visited Parasia and spoke to families, one mother asked: “Why did the death-causing medicine reach my child?” No one has an answer. Adnan Khan: Condition worsened in 3 days Adnan Khan, 5 years 8 months, from Newton, Parasia, developed a fever on 21 August. His parents took him to Dr. Praveen Soni, who prescribed Coldrif. After three days, Adnan’s fever returned. By 27 August, he had severe stomach pain and vomiting. He could not pass even a few drops of urine. The family spent Rs 7 lakh on treatment, taking loans. They even got a recommendation letter from Union Minister Nitin Gadkari for a bed at AIIMS, Nagpur, but Adnan died on 7 September. Adnan’s uncle, Tahseen Khan, said he stayed with him in hospital for 11 days. Adnan asked for Frooti at 2 am every night. On 7 September, he passed away despite CPR. Usaid Khan: ICU treatment could not save him Usaid, 4 years old, from Newton, Parasia, studied in nursery. He fell ill on 25 August. Dr. Aman Siddiqui prescribed Coldrif. Usaid’s fever went down, but swelling appeared on his face and feet. By 6 September, he stopped urinating. He was admitted to Chhindwara District Hospital ICU. When there was no improvement, he was referred to Nagpur. His father, Yasin, sold his auto to fund treatment. Usaid underwent dialysis three times, but his kidneys failed, and he died on 13 September. Their house and belongings were destroyed by flooding while in Nagpur. Vidhi Deharia: Child asked mother to take her home Vidhi, 3 years old, daughter of Mahesh and Namita Deharia, had cold and cough. Dr. Praveen Soni prescribed Coldrif four times a day. The medicine quickly caused her condition to worsen. She stopped urinating within two days. She was first taken to Parasia District Hospital and then referred to Nagpur. Her father said: “We tried our best. We spent only what relatives gave us to save her, but we couldn’t.” Vidhi died on 5 September. Divyansh Yaduvanshi: Dialysis could not save him Divyansh, 5 years old, from Duddi village, had fever on 16 August. Dr. Praveen Soni gave Coldrif syrup and increased the dosage. By 21-22 August, Divyansh started vomiting and stopped urinating. He was admitted to Vivanta Hospital and later referred to Nagpur’s Colours Hospital. Both kidneys had failed. He underwent dialysis seven times. Divyansh became unconscious and was later put on a ventilator. His mother, Leema, sold all her wedding jewellery to pay for treatment. Divyansh died on 1 September. His family performed last rites on 3 September. Hetansh: Urination restored, but brain swelling led to death Hetansh, 4 years old, from Umreth, had fever on 29 August. Dr. Praveen Soni prescribed medicine, including Coldrif. By 30 August, he started vomiting. He was admitted to New Era Child Hospital in Nagpur on 2 September. Hetansh underwent dialysis 13–14 times. He initially recovered and started urinating. However, after 13 September, he stopped responding. Doctors said his brain had swollen. He went into a coma and later died. Families suffer financial and emotional losses All families spent lakhs of rupees on treatment, taking loans, selling assets, and mortgaging jewellery. Many children still could not be saved despite doctors’ efforts. Parents say they trusted doctors and government hospitals, but deadly Coldrif syrup caused irreversible damage. Families demand accountability and justice.