Tamil Nadu Hooch tragedy: The death count in Tamil Nadu's Kallakurichi hooch tragedy surged to 34 on Thursday. Several others, who fell ill after they reportedly consumed illicit liquor, were getting treatment in the hospital. The treatment is underway at Kallakurichi Government Medical College, said District Collector MS Prasanth. Sources said the victims got ill on Wednesday after consuming illicit liquor 'packet arrack' in Kallakurichi.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin announced Rs 10 lakhs each for the family of the deceased and Rs 50,000 each for the people under treatment. A one-man commission, comprising former judge Justice B Gokuldas, was formed to probe the matter and reports will be submitted within 3 months.
Stalin also ordered a CID inquiry into the matter. "I am 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 the crimes. Such incident that ruins society will be dealt with an iron fist," the CM posted on X.
As soon as the report of deaths surfaced, the DMK government swung into action and transferred District Collector Sravankumar Jatavath.
MS Prashanth has been appointed as the new Collector for Kallkurichi district, an official said.
Also, MK Stalin-led government suspended Kallakurichi SP Samaysingh Meena and appointed Rajath Chaturvedi as the new SP. Additionally, nine police officials including those from the prohibition wing of Kallakurichi district have been placed under suspension.
Meanwhile, the illicit arrack peddler has been arrested. The officials seized 200 litres of arrack, which shows a mix of ''methanol''.
"After consuming arrack, the victims complained of vomiting and stomach pain and were admitted on June 19 in Kallakurichi Medical College Hospital," he added.
Leader of opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami said that approximately 40 people have been hospitalised after drinking illicit arrack.
"Deaths due to illicit arrack consumption is continuing ever since the DMK regime took over and I have been raising the issue and seeking action in the state assembly as well," he added.
Palaniswami demanded tough action on the issue. "Precious lives of poor people have been lost in Kallakurichi," the former chief minister said.
