At least 29 dead, 60 hospitalized in Tamil Nadu's Kallakurichi after consuming illicit liquor

Digital Desk: In a tragic incident that has shocked Tamil Nadu, 29 individuals have lost their lives while over 60 others have been hospitalized in the Kallakurichi district after consuming illicit liquor on Wednesday. The death toll is anticipated to rise as the authorities continue their investigations into the disaster.

Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed profound sorrow and disbelief over the incident, vowing swift action against those responsible. Addressing the media, Stalin emphasized, “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. Action has also been taken against the officials who failed to prevent it. Immediate action will be taken if the public is informed about those involved in such crimes. Such crimes that ruin society will be suppressed with an iron fist.”

The tragedy unfolded after K Kannukutti, 49, was apprehended with approximately 200 liters of illegal liquor containing lethal methanol. This discovery prompted the Tamil Nadu government to initiate a thorough investigation led by the Crime Branch-Crime Investigation Department (CB-CID).

In response to the incident, the state government has taken decisive administrative measures. Kallakurichi district collector Sravan Kumar Jatavath has been replaced, and superintendent of police Samay Singh Meena has been suspended. Additionally, nine other police personnel from the Kallakurichi prohibition wing have faced suspension.

MS Prasanth, the newly appointed district collector, visited the hospitalized victims at Government Medical College Hospital, underscoring the government's commitment to assisting the affected families. Rajath Chaturvedi has assumed the role of the district's new police superintendent to oversee security and investigative efforts.

Governor of Tamil Nadu, RN Ravi, expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to those still fighting for their lives. The Tamil Nadu Raj Bhavan shared a message expressing deep concern over recurring incidents of deaths due to counterfeit liquor, highlighting ongoing challenges in combating illegal alcohol production and consumption.

As the state grapples with this tragedy, efforts are underway to ensure justice for the victims and to prevent such incidents in the future through stringent enforcement measures and public awareness campaigns. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by illicit liquor and the critical need for robust regulatory oversight in preventing such devastating losses of life.