early times report
Jammu, Nov 13: enior social and health activist Sukesh C. Khajuria has urged the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mr. Omar Abdullah, to take immediate action to provide compensation, medical care, and justice to four permanently disabled children from Ramnagar Tehsil, District Udhampur, who fell victim to contaminated “Cold Best PC Syrup” manufactured by M/s Digital Vision Company, Kala Amb (Himachal Pradesh).
In his detailed representation to the Chief Minister, Khajuria described the tragedy as a shameful reflection of administrative negligence and regulatory failure that has left several children crippled for life. The Regional Drug Testing Laboratory (RDTL), Chandigarh, had confirmed the presence of 34.24% w/v of Diethylene Glycol (DEG) — a deadly industrial solvent — in the syrup that was sold and prescribed for children.
“Allowing such a poisonous product into the market amounts to criminal negligence,” Khajuria said, adding that this was part of a larger national health crisis, with similar DEG-related tragedies reported from Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, where more than 20 infants and children lost their lives after consuming adulterated syrups.
Khajuria recalled that in Jammu Province, during 2019–2020, this contaminated syrup claimed 14 innocent lives, while four surviving children from Ramnagar were left permanently disabled. Despite the gravity of the tragedy, he said, no meaningful support or relief was extended by the authorities.
He expressed deep dismay over the inaction of the Drug Control Department and the silence of public representatives, including Dr. Jitendra Singh, MP and MoS in the Prime Minister’s Office, who failed to raise their voice for the victims. “The silence of those in authority has only added to the pain of these helpless families,” he remarked.
Khajuria noted that it was only after he approached the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) that the matter was taken seriously. The NHRC directed the Government to pay ₹3 lakh compensation to the families of the deceased infants, a decision later upheld by both the High Court and the Supreme Court of India, thereby establishing the vicarious liability of the State.
“However,” Khajuria said, “the four surviving children who suffered permanent disabilities continue to live without any financial help, medical care, or rehabilitation. Their condition is heart-wrenching and demands urgent government intervention.”
Calling the government’s continued inaction a violation of Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution, Khajuria urged the Chief Minister to:
1. Grant fair and adequate compensation to each surviving child, considering their lifelong physical, medical, and emotional hardships.
2. Fix accountability of officials in the Health and Drug Control Departments responsible for this public health disaster.
3. Establish a robust mechanism for drug quality testing, surveillance, and enforcement to prevent recurrence of such tragedies.
“Justice delayed is justice denied,” Khajuria emphasized. “These children have been living in misery for years. The Government must act now with compassion and determination to restore their dignity and hope.”
He expressed confidence that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s personal intervention would bring long-overdue justice and relief to the affected families, while also reaffirming public trust in governance and the health system.
“The Government’s timely action,” Khajuria concluded, “will send a clear message that the lives of citizens—especially children—are precious, and that negligence in public health will not be tolerated. |
