Kallakurichi: At Least 29 Dead, Over 60 Hospitalised After Consuming Illicit Liquor Tamil Nadu (representative image)
At least 29 people died and over 60 were hospitalised after allegedly consuming toxic liquor in Kallakurichi district in Tamil Nadu, according to the officials. District Collector MS Prashanth said that the death toll is expected to rise.
The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, MK Stalin, expressed his shock over the incident and assured the public that strict action would be taken against those responsible.
“I was shocked and saddened to hear the news of the deaths of people who had consumed adulterated liquor in Kallakurichi. Those involved in the crime have been arrested in this matter. Action has also been taken against the officials who failed to prevent it. Immediate action will be taken if the public informs about those involved in such crimes. Such crimes that ruin the society will be suppressed with an iron fist,” posted Stalin on X (formerly known as Twitter).
கள்ளக்குறிச்சியில் கள்ளச்சாராயம் அருந்தியவர்கள் உயிரிழந்த செய்திகேட்டு அதிர்ச்சியும் வேதனையும் அடைந்தேன். இந்த விவகாரத்தில் குற்றத்தில் ஈடுபட்டவர்கள் கைது செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளார்கள். தடுக்கத் தவறிய அதிகாரிகள் மீதும் நடவடிக்கை எடுக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது.
இதுபோன்ற குற்றங்களில் ஈடுபடுபவர்கள்… pic.twitter.com/QGEYo9FWJq
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) June 19, 2024
Stalin has ordered a Crime Branch-Crime Investigation Department (CB-CID) investigation into the matter. Reportedly, nine police officers, including those from the Kallakurichi prohibition wing, along with police superintendent Samay Singh Meena, have been suspended. District collector Sravan Kumar Jatavath has been replaced by Prasanth. Rajath Chaturvedi has been appointed as Kallakurichi’s new police superintendent.
The state government released a statement informing that K. Kannukutti has been arrested after nearly 200 litres of illegal alcohol were seized from him. According to reports, the poisonous methanol was found in the samples after testing.
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Meanwhile, several opposition parties have slammed the ruling DMK government for its failure to crack down on the recurrent issue of illicit liquor.
The Tamil Nadu Governor, RN Ravi, also expressed his condolences for the affected families and wished for the speedy recovery of those hospitalised. “Every now and then tragic loss of lives due to consumption of illicit liquors are reported from various parts of our state. This reflects continuing lapses in preventing production and consumption of illicit liquor. This is a matter of serious concern,” said a post by the state’s Raj Bhavan.
Deeply shocked at the reported loss of lives due to consumption of illicit liquor in Kallakurichi. Many more victims are in serious condition battling for lives. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for speedy recovery of those in hospitals. Every now and…
— RAJ BHAVAN, TAMIL NADU (@rajbhavan_tn) June 19, 2024
State BJP chief K. Annamalai called for the resignation of S. Muthusamy, the Minister for Prohibition and Excise.
What Happened At Kallakurichi?
As per reports, on June 18, several daily wage workers from Karunapuram allegedly consumed alcohol sold in sachets. A few hours later, they started experiencing symptoms including stomach aches, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of breath, and irritation in their eyes.
The affected are undergoing treatment in the government hospitals in Kallakurichi, Puducherry, Salem, and Villuparam.
