Probe ordered after 6 child deaths in Chhindwara; 2 syrups banned

Six children died from suspected kidney infections in Madhya Pradesh's Chhindwara district in September 2025, local officials said. Authorities banned two cough syrups used by the children and ordered a probe.

The deaths occurred over the past month in Parasia block, where children developed kidney failure after symptoms of mild fever and cold, according to the district administration. Three children died within 15 days earlier in the month, with the total reaching six by Sept. 29.

District Collector Amrish Kumar said samples from nine sick children were sent to a local lab for testing. "We have banned the use of Coldrif and Nextro-DS syrups immediately," Kumar said in a statement. The order followed reports that the children had taken the syrups for cold symptoms.

An Indian Council of Medical Research team was called to investigate the cause, officials said. Nine other children were undergoing treatment in hospitals as of Sept. 29.

The health department directed enhanced medical checks in the area. No further details on the probe's timeline were available.