At least 25 people died on Wednesday, and more than 60 were hospitalized, after allegedly consuming illegal liquor in Tamil Nadu's Kalakurchi district, officials said on Thursday. He said that there is a fear of increase in casualties.
Chief Minister MK Stalin said he was “shocked” by the deaths and said action had been taken against officials who were responsible for preventing the incident.
In a post on X, MK Stalin said, “I am shocked and saddened to hear the death of people who drank adulterated liquor in Kalakurichi. The culprits have been arrested in this case. Stop it. Action has also been taken against the officials who failed to prevent it. If the people report about such crimes, immediate action will be taken. Crimes that ruin the society will be suppressed with an iron fist.
The government said in a statement that K Kanokti, 49, was arrested after nearly 200 liters of illegal liquor, including deadly methanol, was seized from him.
MK Stalin has ordered a thorough investigation by the Crime Branch-Crime Investigation Department (CB-CID). According to a statement, the government has transferred Kalakurichi District Collector Shravan Kumar Jatavath and Superintendent of Police Same Singh Meena. Additionally, nine other police officers have been suspended, including those from the Kalkurichi Prohibition Wing.
The new Collector of Kalkurichi district MS Prasanth visited the patients undergoing treatment at the Government Medical College Hospital. Rajath Chaturvedi is the new Superintendent of Police of the district.
MK Stalin sent senior ministers EV Velu and Ma Subramaniam to Kalakurichi to help the affected families.
Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi also expressed condolences over the deaths and wished the victims a speedy recovery.
Tamil Nadu Raj Bhavan shared a post and wrote, “Shocked to know that many lives have been lost due to consumption of spurious liquor in Kalakurchi. Many others are fighting for their lives in critical condition. Bereaved families. My heartfelt condolences and prayers for the speedy recovery of those hospitalized.
“From time to time, there are reports of deaths due to consumption of spurious liquor from various parts of our state. They reflect the continued lapses in curbing illegal production and consumption of liquor. This is a matter of grave concern,” He added.