Locals in Sonipat clueless about Haryana factory producing syrups blamed for child deaths abroad

Sonipat locals are unaware of the magnitude of the controversy that broke out recently

Kunti (49) cradles her three-year granddaughter in the courtyard of her humble residence unaware of the tragic development concerning the factory located just opposite her house in Sonipat.

“Humko toh nahi pata aisa hua hai. Shukar hai, humne kabhi dawai nahi li yahan se.  (We are not aware of the development. Thank God, we did not take medicine from here),” a shocked Kunti said when told about the tragedy that happened in the South African nation of Gambia where 66 children died after allegedly consuming substandard cough syrups produced at the factory.

“That is why there were so many officials yesterday. We thought something has happened in the factory. Perhaps a fight,” said Simmi (25), Kunti’s daughter-in-law.

“This factory has been situated here for eight or 10 years. We never suspected that substandard products are being made here. Are they being sold in the Indian market as well? What is the name of the cough syrup, I will ensure that I don’t buy it,” she queried.

She was interrupted by her neighbour who informed her that medicines from this factory were only exported to other countries.

Locals are unaware of the magnitude of the controversy that broke out recently.

The factory owened by Maiden Pharmaceuticals Ltd. could be easily missed amid hundreds of similar-looking factories in the industrial hub of India. The only thing that gives it a distinct look are the notices from authorities pasted outside the main gate about the substandard products.