By D. Maan, Jadetimes News
Tamil Nadu Illicit Liquor Tragedy, Details and Response
Incident Overview
At least 34 people have died after consuming illicit arrack near Kallakurichi, Tamil Nadu, on Tuesday night. More than 70 others are receiving treatment in hospitals across Kallakurichi, Villupuram, Salem, and Puducherry. Reports indicate that at least four individuals have been arrested in connection with the sale of the toxic liquor. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has established an expert panel to investigate the incident.
Government Response
Chief Minister MK Stalin has announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 10 lakhs for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for those undergoing treatment. Additionally, a one man commission led by former judge Justice B Gokuldas has been formed to probe the matter, with a report due within three months. Police have arrested a bootlegger named K Govindaraj, alias Kannukutti, 49, and seized over 200 liters of the illicit brew. Forensic tests in Villupuram confirmed the presence of poisonous methanol in the samples.
Medical and Emergency Actions
Dozens of residents from Kallakurichi and neighboring areas who consumed the illicit liquor reported symptoms such as giddiness, headache, vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, and eye irritation. They were rushed to local hospitals, where 10 people succumbed to the effects. Medical teams from government medical colleges in Villupuram, Salem, and Tiruvannamalai were dispatched to assist. Among the patients admitted to JIPMER, three have died, along with three more at Salem GMCH and one at Villupuram GMCH, raising the death toll to 17.
Official Statements and Condolences
District Collector MS Prasanth visited the patients at the Government Medical College Hospital in Kallakurichi. Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed his shock and sadness, stating, "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, and action has 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 society will be suppressed with an iron fist."
Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi also conveyed his condolences and concerns, remarking, "I was very shocked to know that many lives were lost in Kallakurichi due to consumption of counterfeit liquor. Many others are fighting for their lives in critical condition. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and a speedy recovery to those admitted to the hospitals." He also emphasized the recurring issue of deaths caused by illicit liquor in the state, highlighting ongoing shortcomings in curbing the production and consumption of spurious alcohol.
This tragedy underscores the urgent need for stringent measures to prevent the sale and consumption of illicit liquor in Tamil Nadu.