Tamil Nadu Hooch Tragedy: 55 fatalities and 88 hospitalized due to toxic liquor consumption

A tragic incident occurred in Tamil Nadu’s Kallakurichi district, 250 km from the state capital Chennai, where fifty-five people lost their lives after consuming toxic liquor. Additionally, at least 88 others who also consumed the liquor have been hospitalized. Specifically, victims from the Karunapuram area were severely affected, including three minor children who lost both their parents, leaving them with an uncertain future.

Amidst the loss and devastation, the authorities have taken swift action by arresting four suspected bootleggers and detaining 10 others. The state government has also suspended several officials and transferred the investigation to the CB-CID. Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed shock and grief over the loss of lives and emphasized the need for strict crackdown on such perpetrators.

To further address the situation, Chief Minister Stalin announced an inquiry by a retired judge of Madras High Court and compensation of Rs 10 lakh for each victim’s family. Furthermore, he ordered the arrest of illegal liquor brewers and the destruction of methanol. This tragedy has highlighted the failure of intelligence agencies and the prohibition enforcement wing to effectively address the toxic liquor problem.

In response to the incident, the Madras High Court criticized the state government and called for stringent action to curb toxic liquor. Political leaders, including the AIADMK chief and the state BJP chief, urged for more decisive measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.