Over 30 people have died after consuming spurious liquor in Tamil Nadu’s Kallakurichi district. Officials say that the death toll is likely to increase.
Meanwhile, 68 others who drank the same toxic liquor over the past few days, have been hospitalised and 18 of the victims have been moved to JIPMER in Puducherry and six to the Medical College and Hospital in Salem.
The incident has invoked a reaction from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin as well as the Opposition in the state.
Stomach pain, hearing loss and more
Families have recalled the symptoms that the victims experienced moments before they died.
A mother who lost her son in the unfortunate incident said, “He complained of severe stomach ache and difficulty to open his eyes. He said he had consumed arrack. Initially, the hospital refused to admit him, saying he’s drunk. The state government should shut all liquor shops.”
Most of the victims were from the Karunapuram area.
Another woman whose son died after drinking the toxic liquor told NDTV, “My son suffered excruciating stomach pain. He could neither see nor hear. This shouldn’t happen to anyone. Stop selling liquor.”
The state government said that 26 of those who got affected consumed arrack from packets. The forensic team has also confirmed that the liquor had traces of toxic methanol.
MK Stalin reacts
In a tweet on X, Stalin wrote, “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.”
The chief minister added that strict action will be taken against those involved in selling and distributing the illicit liquor. He also sought information from the public to identify anyone who was involved in the sale of such liquor.
TN govt, police swing into action
According to NDTV, the police have arrested three people connected to the case while they try to determine exactly what was consumed by the victims.
The state government has also arrested a man named K Kannukutti who was found possessing 200 litres of illegal liquor containing methanol.
Meanwhile, Stalin suspended district police chief Samay Singh Meena over negligence and replaced him with Rajat Chaturvedi. The district collector has also been replaced.
The chief minister has also rushed the state health minister to ensure that the best medical treatment is provided to the affected people.
Stalin has also ordered a Crime Branch-CBI investigation into the matter.
Opposition blames state govt
BJP Tamil Nadu Chief K Annamalai said, “Deeply saddened by the tragic death of 35 invaluable lives after consuming illicit liquor in Kallakurichi. On behalf of BJP Tamil Nadu, we will be visiting Kallakurichi to share the sorrows of the families who have lost their dear ones in this dreaded incident.”
He also demanded that the Prohibition Minister of Tamil Nadu must be sacked owing to his irresponsibility. “We request the Chief Minister to ponder if he has the righteousness to continue in his position after the gruesome death of over 60 lives due to illicit liquor in the last 2 years,” Annamalai said.
Link to article –
38 killed, over 60 hospitalised after consuming illicit liquor in Tamil Nadu; police make arrests
