Updated: June 20, 2024 11:38 AM IST 
At least 34 people died and more than 60 people were hospitalised after reportedly consuming illicit liquor in Tamil Nadu’s Kallakurichi district. According to a government release, officials expressed concern that the death toll may go up. More than 20 people who complained of vomiting and stomach pain were admitted on June 19 to Kallakurichi Medical College Hospital and following a probe by police and revenue officials, it is suspected that they could have consumed ‘packet arrack.’
A 49-year-old man, K Kannukutti has been arrested and an analysis of about 200 litres of illicit arrack seized from him has disclosed the presence of deadly methanol, the government said. A total of 74 people (67 men, 6 women, and 1 transgender person) developed health issues due to the consumption of illicit liquor, according to state minister EV Velu.
Chief minister MK Stalin said he was “shocked” by the deaths and stated that action was taken against those officials who were responsible for not preventing the incident. In a post on X, MK Stalin said, “I was shocked and saddened to hear the news of the deaths of people who had consumed adulterated liquor in Kallakurichi. Those involved in the crime have been arrested in this matter. Action has also been taken against the officials who failed to prevent it. Immediate action will be taken if the public informs about those involved in such crimes. Such crimes that ruin the society will be suppressed with an iron fist.”
MK Stalin has ordered a Crime Branch-Crime Investigation Department (CB-CID) investigation for a thorough probe. The government has replaced Kallakurichi district collector Sravan Kumar Jatavath and suspended superintendent of police Samay Singh Meena, as per a statement. Additionally, nine other police officers, including those from the Kallakurichi prohibition wing, have been suspended, it added.
CM Stalin also announces Rs 10 lakhs each for the family of deceased and Rs 50,000 each for the people under treatment. A one-man commission, comprising former judge Justice B Gokuldas, announced for probing the matter, reports to be submitted within 3 months.
Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi expressed shock over the loss of lives and expressed “serious concern” over “continuing lapses” vis-a-vis illicit liquor.
“Deeply shocked at the reported loss of lives due to consumption of illicit liquor in Kallakurichi. Many more victims are in serious condition, battling for lives. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for speedy recovery of those in hospitals,” Governor Ravi said on the Raj Bhavan’s official ‘X’ handle.
“Every now and then, tragic loss of lives due to consumption of illicit liquors are reported from various parts of our state. This reflects continuing lapses in preventing production and consumption of illicit liquor. This is a matter of serious concern,” he added.
Requisite medicine and special teams of government doctors from Villupuram, Tiruvannamalai and Salem have been rushed to Kallakurichi Hospital to assist and supervise treatment.
The opposition parties, meanwhile, strongly criticised the DMK government over the incident. Tamil Nadu Opposition leader Edappadi K Palaniswami condemned the DMK government for its failure to crack down on illicit liquor, even though many have already died due to it. Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai demanded the resignation of S Muthusamy, the Minister for Prohibition and Excise, for failing in his duty.
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