Kallakurichi Hooch Tragedy: One-Man Commission Formed; Rs 10 Lakh Compensation Announced

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Thursday announced that the government is forming a one-man commission to probe the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy in which 34 people have been killed while over 109 people have been injured.

"A one-man commission, comprising former judge Justice B Gokuldas has been formed. He will submit the probe report within 3 months," he told reporters.

The Chief Minister said four persons linked to the sale of poisonous arrack have been arrested so far and announced Rs 10 lakh assistance to each of the families of 34 people.

Also, he announced Rs 50,000 assistance to those who are being treated in hospitals. Also, the CM said the state Home Secretary and Director General of Police will submit a report on the hooch tragedy following inspection.

District collector M S Prasanth stated that sufficient number of medical professionals, including specialists from nearby government medical colleges, have been deployed in the district to manage the situation. Additionally, more ambulances equipped with life support have been stationed.

In a briefing to reporters, senior Minister EV Velu stated that incidents of 'illicit arrack sale' should not be attributed solely to the DMK rule, noting that such occurrences have been reported under various regimes.

Velu stated, "Every government (be it DMK or AIADMK governments) has taken tough action, this government has been taking stern action continuously."

Furthermore, he told reporters: "As far as the government is concerned there is no necessity for it to encourage illicit liquor peddlers and we are taking tough action."

"The government will not spare anyone," he said, adding two women and one transgender were among the victims.

"I don't like to justify the mistake, this incident must not have happened and since this has happened the chief minister has directed tough action."

Be it brewers of illicit arrack or those who sell it, the government has been taking stern action including under Goondas Act. Velu and Health Minister Ma Subramanian are camping in Kallakurichi to render help to the affected people, according to a PTI report.

Meanwhile, the AIADMK advocates requested the Madras High Court to take up an urgent petition on Kallakurichi illicit liquor tragedy issue for hearing.

The Madras High Court division bench of Justices D Krishnakumar and K Kumaresh Babu have agreed to hear it on Friday.