In a devastating incident in Tamil Nadu’s Kallakurichi district, at least 25 people have lost their lives and over 60 others have been hospitalized after allegedly consuming illicit liquor on Wednesday. The death toll is feared to rise as the situation unfolds, prompting swift government action and expressions of shock and grief from officials.
Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, emphasizing immediate measures against those responsible. He assured the public of stringent actions against the perpetrators and officials found negligent in preventing the incident. Arrests have already been made, including that of K Kannukutti, who was found in possession of about 200 liters of illegal liquor containing deadly methanol.
கள்ளக்குறிச்சியில் கள்ளச்சாராயம் அருந்தியவர்கள் உயிரிழந்த செய்திகேட்டு அதிர்ச்சியும் வேதனையும் அடைந்தேன். இந்த விவகாரத்தில் குற்றத்தில் ஈடுபட்டவர்கள் கைது செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளார்கள். தடுக்கத் தவறிய அதிகாரிகள் மீதும் நடவடிக்கை எடுக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது.
இதுபோன்ற குற்றங்களில் ஈடுபடுபவர்கள்… pic.twitter.com/QGEYo9FWJq
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) June 19, 2024
In response to this illicit liquor crisis, MK Stalin has ordered a comprehensive investigation by the Crime Branch-Crime Investigation Department (CB-CID) to ensure a thorough probe into the incident. As part of administrative measures, the district collector Sravan Kumar Jatavath has been replaced, and the superintendent of police Samay Singh Meena has been suspended. Nine other police officers, including those from the Kallakurichi prohibition wing, have also faced suspension.
The new district administration, represented by Collector MS Prasanth and Superintendent of Police Rajath Chaturvedi, has been actively engaged in overseeing medical treatment for the affected individuals. Senior ministers EV Velu and Ma Subramanian were dispatched to Kallakurichi to provide support to the grieving families and coordinate relief efforts.
Expressing condolences, Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi conveyed heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to those undergoing treatment at hospitals. The Raj Bhavan underscored the need for stringent measures to curb the production and consumption of spurious liquor, highlighting recurring challenges in addressing illicit alcohol issues across the state.
As investigations continue and the community mourns the loss of lives, authorities remain focused on delivering justice and preventing future tragedies linked to counterfeit liquor consumption.