Tamil Nadu: At Least 33 Dead, Over 109 Hospitalised In Kallakurichi After Consuming Spurious Liquor

At least 33 people died after allegedly consuming illicit liquor in Kallakurichi district in Tamil Nadu.

Over 109 people are hospitalised after drinking spurious liquor on Tuesday. Patients with serious conditions have been taken to hospitals in Salem, Tiruvannamalai, and Puducherry.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has expressed his shock over the incident and people involved in the crime have been arrested. In a post on X, he said, "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 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."

The cops have arrested K Kannukutti and seized over 200 litres of illegal liquor from him, which contained deadly methanol, a statement from the government said.

Stalin has ordered a thorough investigation by the Crime Branch-Crime Investigation Department (CB-CID). According to a government statement, Kallakurichi district collector Sravan Kumar Jatavath has been replaced, and superintendent of police Samay Singh Meena has been suspended. Also, nine other police officers, including members of the Kallakurichi prohibition wing, have also been suspended.

The incident comes just a year after 22 people died in twin hooch tragedies in Villupuram and Chengalpattu districts.
MS Prasanth, the newly appointed collector of Kallakurichi district, visited patients receiving treatment at the Government Medical College Hospital. Rajath Chaturvedi has taken over as the district's new superintendent of police.

Chief Minister MK Stalin sent senior ministers EV Velu and Ma Subramanian to Kallakurichi who met the affected families.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu governor RN Ravi also expressed his condolences for the deaths. A statement from the Raj Bhavan said: "I was very shocked to know that many lives were lost in Kallakurichi due to consumption of counterfeit liquor. Many others are fighting for their lives in critical condition. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and a speedy recovery to those admitted to the hospitals."

"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," it added.