India, Oct. 9 -- Criminal proceedings will be initiated against Kancheepuram-based Sresan pharmaceuticals, said a senior drug official in Tamil Nadu against the firm for manufacturing the cough syrup, Coldrif, that was found to be contaminated with a toxic substance and is believed to have led to the deaths of 19 children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Upon conviction for the contravention of section 17A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940, the manufacturer will be penalized under section 27(a) of the Act with a minimum of 10 years of imprisonment which may extend up to life imprisonment and with a fine of not less than 10 lakh rupees, the official said.

"39 critical observations and 325 major observations were noticed by the team," sa...