Hooch Tragedy: TN CM Stalin Tables Bill To Bolster Illicit Liquor Prohibition Act In State

The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, MK Stalin, introduced an amendment bill in the state Assembly aimed at strengthening the provisions of the Tamil Nadu Prohibition Act, 1937. This legislative move seeks to enforce stricter penalties for the manufacture and sale of illicit liquor.

The bill specifies punishments for offences related to the import, export, transport, possession, manufacture, bottling, and consumption of illicit liquor. Penalties include up to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment and fines up to Rs 5 lakh for various offences.

Photo Credit: PTI

In cases where the consumption of illicit liquor results in death, bootleggers face life imprisonment and a fine of not less than Rs 10 lakhs.

This legislative action follows a tragic hooch tragedy in Kallakurichi, where 65 people died, and over 200 were affected after consuming methanol-laced illicit liquor. Among the deceased were six women, with 20 individuals still receiving treatment.

Stalin stressed on the government's transparency and accountability, stating that arrests have been made in connection with the tragedy. He urged a non-political, united front to combat the issue of illicit liquor and drugs in Tamil Nadu.

The incident has caused major political setback for the ruling DMK, especially ahead of the Assembly bypoll in the Vikravandi constituency. Opposition parties, including AIADMK and BJP, have called for a CBI inquiry.

AIADMK's Edappadi K Palaniswami led a hunger strike to demand the same, accusing the government of engaging in diversionary tactics.

The case is currently being investigated by the CB-CID of the state police, which has sought custodial interrogation of 11 suspects.