Toxic Liquor Tragedy in Tamil Nadu: 34 Dead, 60 Hospitalized; DM-SP Removed, CID to Investigate

34 Dead in Tamil Nadu’s Kallakurichi Due to Toxic Alcohol Consumption

In Kallakurichi, Tamil Nadu, 34 people have died after consuming toxic alcohol, and over 60 individuals have been admitted to various hospitals. Police have arrested a 49-year-old man named Kannukutti in connection with the incident, and approximately 200 liters of toxic alcohol containing methanol were seized from him.

Most of the victims were laborers who experienced symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, and eye irritation after consuming the alcohol on June 18 in the Karunapuram area of Kallakurichi district.

Twelve ambulances have been deployed in Kallakurichi. According to the police, post-mortem examinations are being conducted on the deceased to determine the exact cause of death.

In response to the incident, the state government has replaced the Kallakurichi District Collector and SP. M.S. Prashant has been appointed as the new Collector, and Rajat Chaturvedi as the new SP.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin expressed his shock and sorrow on X, stating: “I am deeply shocked and saddened by the news of deaths due to toxic alcohol consumption in Kallakurichi. Arrests have been made, and actions are being taken against officials who failed to prevent this.”

More than 20 individuals have been admitted to Kallakurichi Medical College Hospital, with 18 referred to Puducherry JIPMER and 6 to Salem. The police have stated that post-mortem examinations are underway to determine the exact cause of death.

Officials have indicated that medicines have been brought in from Villupuram, Tiruvannamalai, and Salem, and a special team of doctors has been called to the Kallakurichi hospital. Senior health department officials are present at the scene.

Special Team of Doctors Deployed at Kallakurichi Hospital

More than 20 people have been admitted to Kallakurichi Medical College Hospital. Eighteen have been referred to Puducherry JIPMER, and six to Salem. Medications have been brought in from Villupuram, Tiruvannamalai, and Salem for their treatment. A special team of doctors has been called to Kallakurichi Hospital, and senior health department officials are present at the scene.

CB-CID to Investigate; DM and SP Removed

The state government has ordered an investigation by the CB-CID. Kallakurichi DM Shravan Kumar Jatavath has been transferred, and SP Ziaul Haque has been suspended. Additionally, nine police officers, including those from the Kallakurichi district prohibition department, have been suspended.

CM Stalin has sent senior ministers EV Velu and MA Subramanian to Kallakurichi to provide all necessary assistance to the affected families. MS Prashant has been appointed as the new District Collector, and Rajat Chaturvedi as the new SP.

Governor Expresses Condolences

Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi expressed his condolences over the incident and serious concern over the recurring issues with counterfeit liquor cases.

He wrote, “I pray for the speedy recovery of those hospitalized.”

He further stated, “Reports of tragic deaths due to toxic alcohol consumption from various parts of our state are alarming. The persistent failures in preventing the production and consumption of this toxic liquor are a matter of grave concern.”

Opposition Attacks on Government

The AIADMK has attacked the state government over the issue of deaths caused by the consumption of adulterated liquor. Opposition leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami stated that nearly 40 people were hospitalized after consuming toxic liquor.

“Since the DMK government came to power, there has been a continuous series of deaths due to the consumption of counterfeit liquor. I have raised this issue in the state assembly and demanded action. My demand is that the state government takes strict action on this matter,” the former Chief Minister added, emphasizing that valuable lives of poor people were lost in Kallakurichi.

PMK founder leader S. Ramadoss demanded that Chief Minister Stalin take responsibility for the deaths. He accused the police department and the government of failing to curb the sale of counterfeit liquor. He also demanded compensation of 1 million rupees for the families of the deceased.

BJP state president K. Annamalai criticized the DMK, stating that they have not learned their lesson, and due to their mismanagement, five more people have died today.

“The DMK government lacks accountability. Their ministers are seen in photos with those selling toxic liquor. They have no fear,” Annamalai added.