Five-year-old asks, ‘Will I be able to play again?’:Child survives poisonous cough syrup after battle of 115 days between life and death

Kunal, a five-year-old boy from Chhindwara, narrowly escaped death after consuming poisonous cough syrup, but his life has been permanently altered. After battling for 115 days, he returned home unable to see or walk. At an age meant for play and dreams, Kunal now remains confined to his bed, hoping to recover. Kunal repeatedly asks me, ‘Mom, will I be able to play again or not?’ I have no answer, only tears… Says his mother, Lakshmi, expressing her anguish. The incident is part of the tragic case in which 24 innocent children lost their lives in Chhindwara after consuming the toxic cold syrup. Complete incident details Two pictures of then and now 9 lakhs spent, buffaloes and jewellry sold, still treatment remaining Kunal’s father, Tinku Yaduvanshi, said the family spent everything they had to save their son’s life. Although they received Rs 4.25 lakh in government assistance, doctors have said that more funds will be required for further treatment and rehabilitation, leaving the family with nothing left to sell. During Kunal’s treatment in Nagpur, the family endured severe hardship. Only one attendant was allowed inside the hospital, sleeping on a sheet spread under the child’s bed, while others spent nights in the verandah. Tinku, his wife Lakshmi, and Kunal’s two maternal uncles stayed with him throughout, while relatives from both sides kept visiting. The entire family made every possible effort to save the child. Tinku says that although everything outside the house remains the same, Kunal’s laughter is missing. The five-year-old, who once ran and played in the street, now listens to other children from the window. He cannot see or walk and remains confined to his home. Just months ago, Kunal lived like any other child, eager to play, preparing for school, and dreaming of becoming a soldier like his maternal uncle. The family never imagined that a common cold would shatter his world. Lost job, financial situation worsened Kunal’s father, Tinku Yaduvanshi, said he earlier worked with a microfinance company, earning Rs 25,000 per month. Kunal has an elder sister studying in Class 2 at a private school. The family currently survives on the income from Kunal’s grandfather’s milk business, which is enough only for basic needs, while debts from the treatment and the burden of future medical care remain. After returning to Chhindwara, Kunal spends most of his time lying at home. Hearing children play outside, he silently turns toward the window, as if imagining himself running with them again. At times, he asks his mother, ‘I’ll be able to play again, won’t I?’ She has no answer, only tears in her eyes. Bail plea adjourned, hearing on January 5 The bail pleas of accused Dr. Praveen Soni and pharmacist Saurabh Jain in the case related to the deaths of children after consuming poisonous cough syrup have been adjourned once again. The hearing was scheduled for December 17 in the Jabalpur High Court, but arguments could not take place due to technical reasons. Victims’ lawyer Sanjay Patoria said the next hearing has now been fixed for January 5. A case in this matter was registered late on October 4. Following this, Dr. Praveen Soni, who prescribed Coldrif cough syrup to children, was arrested. During the investigation, the role of pharmacist Saurabh Jain also emerged, and he was subsequently named as an accused. So far, no hearing has taken place on the bail of Ranganathan, the owner of the company that manufactured the cough syrup. He has neither filed a bail application nor has any lawyer appeared on his behalf in court.