Jitu Patwari shows photo of drug dealer with Dy CM:Says he was involved in distribution of toxic cough syrup; demands CBI probe

Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari has called for a thorough investigation into the role of Sonu Rana, a drug dealer, and Aditya Singh, PA to the Union Health Minister, in the distribution of toxic Coldrif cough syrup that has claimed children’s lives in Madhya Pradesh. Addressing a press conference Patwari said, “Sonu Rana facilitates deals between the department and drug companies. This entire incident must be probed by the CBI. PS Health must be removed immediately, and an FIR should be registered against the Drug Controller.” He slammed Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister Rajendra Shukla, adding, “More than 25 children have died in Madhya Pradesh due to Coldrif cough syrup. Over the last three months, 150 deaths have been reported in different districts—not due to any illness but as a result of government negligence.” Report confirms contaminated medicine Patwari mentioned, “On 19 September 2025, a laboratory in Nagpur sent a report to the Madhya Pradesh Health Department confirming that these deaths were caused by contaminated medicine, not by any ordinary illness. Yet the Health Minister took no action and continued celebrating festivals.”
Delay in post-mortems and departmental action He said, “The first death occurred on 3 September. Even after eight children died, no post-mortem was conducted, nor were serious departmental meetings called to address this matter.” Accountability of corrupt officers and ministers Patwari demanded, “An impartial CBI investigation is essential. The Health Minister must resign, PS Health should be removed, and an FIR registered against the Drug Controller. These are not natural deaths; they are preventable tragedies caused by negligence.” SIT probe and public protest planned Patwari also said, “A Special Investigation Team (SIT) should investigate the entire case, and the exact impact of this toxic cough syrup across the country must be determined. Congress will hold one-day fasts and protests in front of hospitals in all districts of Madhya Pradesh to demand accountability from the government.” He concluded, “As the opposition, Congress has been alerting the government. The media has played a crucial role in bringing the truth to light impartially.”