Toxic liquor tragedy in Tamil Nadu: 55 dead, 88 hospitalized

In Tamil Nadu's Kallakurichi district, about 250 km from Chennai, 55 people have died after consuming toxic liquor.

Additionally, 88 others, who reportedly ingested the tainted alcohol in recent days, have been hospitalized.

Many victims hail from the Karunapuram area. Three minor children have been orphaned by this calamity, leaving their grandmother in despair about their future. "I don't know how to take care of them," she told NDTV.

A grieving mother recounted her son's ordeal: "He complained of severe stomach pain and difficulty opening his eyes after consuming arrack. The hospital initially refused to admit him, saying he was drunk. The state government must shut down all liquor shops."

Authorities have arrested four suspected bootleggers and detained ten others. A senior police officer confirmed the deaths were due to toxic liquor consumption and stated, "We are investigating what exactly they consumed."

In response, the state government has suspended district police chief Samay Singh Meena, appointing Rajat Chaturvedi in his place. Collector Sravan Kumar Jatavath has been replaced by MS Prasanth. Several other officials, including a Deputy Superintendent of Police-rank officer from the prohibition enforcement wing, three inspectors, and three sub-inspectors, were also suspended. The investigation has been transferred to the CB-CID.

Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed his shock and sorrow over the loss of lives on social media. He assured that the perpetrators have been arrested and action has been taken against officials who failed to prevent the tragedy. "We will crack down with an iron hand. If the public reports such perpetrators, action will be taken," he said.

An inquiry has been ordered by Justice (retd) B Gokuldas, a retired judge of the Madras High Court. Additionally, a compensation of ₹10 lakh will be provided to the families of each victim.

Stalin has also ordered the arrest of illegal liquor brewers and methanol sellers, along with the destruction of methanol stocks.

The Madras High Court criticized the state government for allowing this disaster to happen, especially in light of last year's incident when 22 people died. "How did you let it happen?" the court questioned, referencing the previous tragedy.

AIADMK chief and Leader of Opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami criticized the ruling DMK, stating that the government failed to address the toxic liquor problem despite his warnings. "I urge Chief Minister MK Stalin to take stringent action to curb toxic liquor instead of word play like last time, when they called it methanol and not toxic liquor," he said.