Death toll in Tamil Nadu toxic hooch case goes up to 34; AIADMK asks CM Stalin to resign
MK Stalin
In the Indian state ofTamil Nadu, 34 people lost their lives, and dozens were rushed to hospitals after consuming illegal liquor, said officials on Thursday (June 20).
The tragic incident happened in Tamil Nadu's Kallakurichi district, where authorities, as per reports, have expressed concern that the death toll might climb further.
Quoting sources, ANI reports that107 people have been admitted to the Kallakurichi government Medical College Hospital. Out of these, 59 people were referred to hospitals in other places such as Salem, Villupuram and Puducherry.
The AIADMK general secretary, Edappadi K Palaniswami, has slammed the ruling DMK government in the state over the tragedy and hasdemanded the resignation of DMK chief and state Chief Minister MK Stalin.
Chief Minister expresses his shock, shares condolences
Expressing shock, CM Stalin said swift action would be carried out against officials who failed to prevent this tragedy.
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"I was shocked and saddened to hear the news of the deaths of people who had consumed adulterated liquor in Kallakurichi," Stalin said on social media platform X.
The chief minister has announced Rs 10 lakh ($11,967) for the family of the deceased and Rs 50,000 ($598) for those being treated in the hospital.
"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 such crimes. Such crimes that ruin the society will be suppressed with an iron fist," he added.
In another post,the AIADMK chief said, "In the context of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly convening today, traditionally, condolence resolutions will be read and passed for several individuals, including former members who have passed away. On behalf of AIADMK, I record my condolences for the deceased."
Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi too has offered his condolences. Wishing for the speedy recovery of the victims, he highlighted the persistent reports of deaths because of drinking spurious liquor from various parts of the state.
"From time to time, news emerges from different parts of our state about deaths due to consumption of spurious liquor. They reflect continuing shortcomings in curbing illicit alcohol production and consumption. This is a matter of serious concern," read the post.
Adulterated liquor
As per a Business Today report, on June 18, the victims, mostly daily labourers from Karunapuram in the Kallakurichi district, allegedly consumed the illicit liquor sold in packets and sachets. By night, many of them started experiencing symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach ache, and irritation in the eyes and were rushed to hospitals.
Tamil Nadu police have arrested a man identified as Govindraj aka Kannukutty and seized 200 litres of liquor from him. Upon testing, it was found that the alcohol contained menthol, according to a government statement.
(With inputs from agencies)
