A total of 34 individuals lost their lives, with over 100 others being admitted to hospitals due to the consumption of illicit liquor in Tamil Nadu’s Kallakurichi district, as confirmed by District Collector MS Prasanth to news agency ANI.
Among the deceased were women, and the majority of them have already undergone postmortem examinations.
A team of medical professionals will soon present a report based on the autopsy findings. The Tamil Nadu Police apprehended a man named Govindaraj, also known as Kannukutty, for selling alcohol. Authorities confiscated 200 liters of liquor from him, which upon analysis, was found to contain methanol, as stated by the government.
In response to the incident, Chief Minister MK Stalin has initiated a CB-CID investigation. The DMK government has reassigned Kallakurichi District Collector Sravan Kumar Jatavath and suspended Superintendent of Police Samay Singh Meena.
Stalin expressed his shock and sadness upon learning about the deaths of individuals who had consumed adulterated liquor in Kallakurichi. The perpetrators of this crime have been apprehended, and action has been taken against the officials responsible for their failure to prevent it. Stalin emphasized that immediate action will be taken if the public provides information about those involved in such crimes. He further stated that these crimes, which have a detrimental impact on society, will be dealt with firmly. This information was reported by X.
According to State Minister EV Velu, several individuals were hospitalized after experiencing health issues caused by the consumption of illicit liquor. On June 18, it was reported that a group of men, primarily daily wage laborers from Karunapuram in Kallakurichi district, had consumed counterfeit liquor sold in packets and sachets. As the night progressed, many of them began to exhibit symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, and eye irritation, leading to their immediate transfer to hospitals.
The affected individuals are currently receiving treatment at government hospitals in Kallakurichi, Salem, Villupuram, and Puducherry. The condition of many of them is reported to be critical.
Meanwhile, opposition parties have strongly criticized the DMK government for its handling of the incident. Tamil Nadu Opposition leader Edappadi K Palaniswami condemned the government’s failure to effectively combat the issue of illicit liquor, especially considering the number of lives lost. Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai demanded the resignation of S Muthusamy, the Minister for Prohibition and Excise, for his negligence in fulfilling his duties.
Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi also expressed his disappointment with the government, stating that tragic incidents resulting from the consumption of illicit liquor are frequently reported throughout the state. He emphasized that this highlights the ongoing failures in preventing the production and consumption of such liquor, which is a matter of grave concern.