Shared information on syrup deaths, hoping Delhi will take action against the culprits: Gambian official

As part of its investigation into the death of 69 children following the consumption of cough syrups manufactured by a Haryana-based company, The Gambia has shared information with India, and the authorities in the West African nation are hopeful that India will take action against the culprits.

There has been a great deal of anger among the local residents as a result of the incident.

Due to the transnational nature of the crime, the authorities in Banjul, the capital of The Gambia, are also in contact with Interpol. Action will be taken through Interpol or between the governments (of India and The Gambia) based on recommendations made by the investigation team, according to the Gambian police officer. “Nevertheless, we are confident that India will cooperate – the two countries have excellent relations. In addition, The Gambia has a significant Indian community.”

A top police officer from The Gambia told Deccan Era: “Multiple agencies are involved in the investigation.” Due to the ongoing nature of our investigation, it would be premature to identify the responsible party. As a result of the incident, there is considerable anger in the Gambia, and people are protesting throughout the country. This is something we are trying to investigate.”

In response to a question regarding whether the authorities in Banjul are in contact with their counterparts in New Delhi, the officer replied, “We are in regular contact with Indian agencies. As soon as the investigation is completed and the culprits have been identified, the full information will be shared with India. It is a matter of political determination between the two countries whether the culprits will be prosecuted in the Gambia.”

Earlier this month, the WHO raised a medical alert following the discovery that a cough syrup manufactured by Haryana-based Maiden Pharmaceuticals had allegedly resulted in the death of more than 60 children in The Gambia.

In response to these reports, the Union Health Ministry established a four-member panel to examine them. The Haryana government ordered a “complete stop” on the company’s production after finding that it violated good manufacturing practices and had deficiencies in documentation during four drug control inspections.

Neither the government nor the firm’s owners have been charged criminally.