TAMIL NADU: At least 34 people have died and about 100 others were hospitalized on Wednesday after allegedly consuming illicit liquor in Kallakurichi district, Tamil Nadu.
The death toll is feared to rise, and authorities have already arrested four individuals linked to the distribution of the tainted alcohol.
Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed his deep shock and sorrow over the incident, indicating swift action against those officials who failed in their duties to prevent such a tragedy. In a statement released on X, he vowed decisive action against the culprits and the negligent officials to prevent future occurrences.
“I was shocked and saddened by the deaths in Kallakurichi due to adulterated liquor. We have arrested those involved and taken action against officials who failed to prevent this tragedy. We will continue to respond promptly to any reports of such illegal activities and crush these societal menaces with an iron fist,” Stalin said.
In response to the tragedy, the opposition AIADMK called for an urgent hearing, which the Madras High Court, under Justices D Krishnakumar and K Kumaresh Babu, agreed to address on June 21.
Following the incident, a sweeping administrative overhaul was conducted in Kallakurichi. The Tamil Nadu government replaced the district collector and suspended the superintendent of police, along with nine other officers from the prohibition wing, underlining the seriousness of the failures that led to the tragedy.
The new appointments include MS Prasanth as the district collector and Rajath Chaturvedi as the police superintendent, who have both been actively involved in addressing the aftermath. Prasanth visited the affected patients at the Government Medical College Hospital, assessing the immediate needs and ensuring appropriate care.
Governor RN Ravi also issued a statement, expressing his condolences to the families of the deceased and calling for swift action to address the root causes of illicit liquor circulation.
“This tragedy highlights the ongoing challenges in curbing the production and consumption of spurious liquor in our state. It is a serious concern that needs urgent and continued attention,” noted a statement from the Tamil Nadu Raj Bhavan.
