ED raids expose lavish assets of dismissed constable linked to deadly adulterated cough syrup case

Lucknow: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has been stunned by the scale of luxury uncovered during raids on properties linked to a dismissed Uttar Pradesh police constable accused in the adulterated cough syrup case that claimed the lives of several children.

The raids were conducted in connection with the ‘Coldrif’ cough syrup adulteration scandal, which has triggered nationwide outrage. The accused, Alok Pratap Singh, a police constable who was dismissed from service on December 2, was arrested last month by the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) for his alleged role in the racket.

The case pertains to the distribution of spurious cough syrup that led to the deaths of at least 24 children in Madhya Pradesh after consumption of the contaminated medicine.

During searches carried out by ED officials, a massive luxury bungalow belonging to Singh was found on the Lucknow–Sultanpur highway at Ahimau. Spread over nearly 7,000 square feet, the bungalow reportedly reflects extreme opulence that investigators say is grossly disproportionate to the known sources of income of a police constable.

According to ED sources, the bungalow features European-style interiors, spiral staircases, vintage chandeliers and a range of high-end luxury fittings. Preliminary estimates suggest that the construction of the house alone may have cost around ₹5 crore, while the interior decoration is believed to have involved an additional expenditure of ₹1.5 crore to ₹2 crore. Officials clarified that the estimated cost does not include the value of the land on which the bungalow stands.

In addition to the lavish property, the ED seized several luxury items during the raid. These include expensive handbags from international brands such as Prada and Gucci, a Rado wristwatch, and a range of costly electronic gadgets. Investigators believe these assets may have been acquired through proceeds of crime linked to the adulterated pharmaceutical trade.

The ED has initiated a money laundering probe to trace the flow of funds and identify other individuals and entities involved in the illegal manufacture and distribution of spurious medicines. Officials suspect a wider network involving pharmaceutical suppliers, middlemen and protection from insiders.

The Coldrif cough syrup case has raised serious concerns about regulatory lapses, corruption and the deadly consequences of counterfeit medicines. The deaths of children after consuming the adulterated syrup sparked public anger and prompted swift action by enforcement agencies.

Authorities have indicated that further raids and arrests are likely as the investigation progresses. The case has once again brought the spotlight on the nexus between corruption and public health crimes, with officials stressing that strict action will be taken against all those responsible.

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