Death Toll Rises In TN Illicit Liquor Tragedy - Who Are The Accused?

The investigation into the hooch tragedy in Kallakurichi, Tamil Nadu, which killed almost 50 people after consuming illicit liquor and left many with severe ailments, has intensified. The CB-CID squad nabbed the main culprit, Chinnadurai, who was involved in the production of illegal arrack in the Cuddalore area. His arrest, which has been linked to several incidents involving illicit liquor, is an important turning point in the ongoing probe. Previously, the police arrested bootlegger Govindaraj, also known as Kannukutty, his wife Vidya, and his brother Damodaran in connection with the case.

Escalating Death Toll and Medical Challenges

As the district reels from the aftermath of this tragic incident, the death toll has steadily climbed to 50, including four women. District Collector MS Prasanth has reported that 116 individuals are currently receiving medical treatment across various government-run facilities. Disturbingly, several patients have reported experiencing vision problems, adding to the severe health risks associated with the consumption of contaminated alcohol.

Most of the victims are daily wage workers. They cannot afford Indian-made foreign liquor supplied at Tasmac (the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation) shops. As a result, they rely on knockoff alcohol, which is less expensive. The victims fell ill after consuming illicit liquor sold in two huts. Women shaking with sorrow and struggling to come to terms with what transpired are shown on TV channels as they rush to see the bodies of their loved ones or cling to the bodies of their relatives.

According to the Puthiya Thalamurai news channel, Praveen was the first person to be brought to the hospital. He drank alcohol at 11 a.m. on June 18. One hour later, he complained of burning eyes and a stomachache. He was taken to the hospital, where doctors refused to treat him since he was drunk. He was transferred to a hospital after several hours, where he died. Meanwhile, his relative Suresh succumbed at a private hospital on Wednesday morning after taking illegal alcohol. Thereafter, the death toll kept rising.

A Perumal (31) a resident of Madhavcheri in Kallakurichi admitted in an interview as reported by The New Indian Express that his brother A Ramar (25) needed treatment early on Thursday after the latter fell, complaining of 'blindness' and irritation in the eyes, "He had consumed the hooch three days ago and was having frequent stomach aches but ignored it, thinking it was triggered by food. But today (Thursday) morning, he said his eyes were irritated. So I took him to the Kallakurichi GH," he said.

Perumal accused the Prohibition Enforcement Wing officers of deliberate negligence in allowing the hooch sales to occur often and openly.

Government Response and Strategic Measures

In response to the crisis, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin directed the CB-CID officials to investigate the origin of methanol, a lethal component found in the seized arrack. This directive aims to ensure the complete eradication of hazardous substances at the local level, preventing future tragedies of this nature.

In an 'X' message, Stalin expressed shock and sadness over the rising death toll. Those accountable for the crime have been taken into custody, and action has been taken against police officers who failed to prevent it, he stated. He warned people participating in "such crimes" would face immediate consequences. "Such crimes which ruin the society will be crushed with an iron fist," the chief minister further stated.

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

The government announced an inquiry committee and an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh each for the victims' next of kin. Meanwhile, the Madras High Court will be hearing an urgent appeal on the hooch tragedy on Friday, owing to the severity of the situation.

The state authorities have also confiscated approximately 200 litres of illicit arrack, with laboratory analysis confirming the presence of methanol, known for its toxic effects on human health. Acknowledging the severity of the situation, Health Minister Ma Subramanian and PWD Minister EV Velu have also mobilized their resources to provide immediate assistance to the affected individuals in Kallakurichi.

Kallakurichi District Superintendent of Police Samay Singh Meena has been suspended, and Kallakurichi Collector Sravan Kumar Jatavath has been transferred.  SS Meena has been replaced by Rajat Chaturvedi, and MS Prashant has been appointed as the new Kallakurichi District Collector. The Tamil Nadu government has relocated the entire Kallakurichi District Prohibition Police force.

The Kallakurichi episode parallels a similar tragedy that occurred just a year earlier when 21 people were killed in the Villupuram and Chengalpet districts as a consequence of the use of adulterated alcohol.