Kallakurichi hooch tragedy: 34 dead in Tamil Nadu after consuming methanol laced arrack, says CM Stalin

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin/ Pic/PTI

Thirty-four persons in Kallakurichi district died after ingesting methanol-laced arrack, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said on Thursday. Stalin, speaking about the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy, asked officials to form a one-man commission, led by former Madras High Court Judge B Gokuldas, to recommend methods to prevent future tragedies and probe the deaths, reported PTI.

According to the report, four people linked to the trade of toxic arrack that led to the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy have been arrested.

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Meanwhile, CM Stalin announced Rs 10 lakh in compensation for each casualty of the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy, as well as Rs 50,000 for those receiving hospital treatment.

The Chief Minister further indicated that the state Home Secretary and Director General of Police would submit a report on the incident after an investigation into the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy.

Kallakurichi hooch tragedy: DIG Salem says 1,000 police personnel at their disposal

Meanwhile, speaking to the news agency ANI, the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Salem Range, ES Uma said, "In Kallakurichi, we have brought in seven SPs and these officials will have at least 1,000 police personnel at their disposal and are now on active security duty in the district. We have set up a help desk; anyone can access it easily. Bodies have been dispatched safely."

Kallakurichi hooch tragedy: Congres MLA requests CM Stalin to probe other areas for similar incidents

MLA from Congress, EVKS Elangovan urged Tamil Nadu CM Stalin to order a search in other districts for similar incidents. He, while speaking to ANI, said, "We should make maximum efforts to curtail such incidents. What happened in Kallakurichi is a real tragedy. I think the Chief Minister has taken the correct step by transferring the collector. I request CM to intensify search in other districts also for such illicit liquor and make sure you put people behind bars who are involved in it."

Kallakurichi hooch tragedy: TN Guv consoles deaths

Tamil Nadu Governor RN Raja condoled the deaths of those who died after consuming spurious liquor in Kallakurichi. A post shared by Tamil Nadu Raj Bhavan stated, "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 the consumption of spurious liquor. They reflect continuing shortcomings in curbing illicit alcohol production and consumption. This is a matter of serious concern."