By – Prakarsh Kastwar
Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi expressed regret and concern at the loss of life. Governor Ravi expressed his sincere sadness on Raj Bhavan ‘X”s official social media platform about the deaths of persons in Kallakurichi as a result of illicit liquor use. Many more victims are in critical condition, on the verge of death.
In Tamil Nadu’s Kallakurichi area, over 100 individuals became ill after consuming allegedly illegal country-made booze. Soon, people began to die. Five deaths were reported first, followed by ten. By Thursday morning, 34 individuals had died from the deadly booze. More than 60 patients are currently in the hospital, facing a life-threatening situation.
According to the government, 49-year-old illegal booze trader K. Kannu Kutty has been arrested in connection with this case. An investigation into about 200 liters of illegal booze confiscated from him found that it contained deadly’methanol’.
Announcement of the formation of panel for compensation and investigation.
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has stated that the families of the deceased will receive Rs 10 lakh each, while those undergoing treatment will receive Rs 50,000. A one-member panel, led by former judge Justice B Gokuldas, has been constituted to investigate the case. The report will be submitted within three months.
Tomorrow, the case will be heard by the High Court.
AIADMK counsel have filed a case in the Madras High Court about the Kallakurichi problem. An urgent hearing of the case has been requested in this matter. The division bench of Justices D Krishnakumar and K Kumaresh Babu in the court agreed to hear it tomorrow, June 21.
CB-CID inquiry is ordered.
Earlier, Chief Minister Stalin requested a CB-CID investigation into the incident. Following the event, the government transferred Kallakurichi District Collector Shravan Kumar Jathavath and suspended Superintendent of Police Samay Singh Meena. Nine other police officers have been suspended, including those from Kallakurichi district’s prohibition branch.
Many are still unwell and hospitalized.
- According to the administration, around 20 persons were admitted to Kallakurichi Medical College after complaining of vomiting and stomach aches.
- Based on the investigation by police and revenue department authorities, it is suspected that they consumed illegal liquor, specifically toddy. G Praveen Kumar (26), D Suresh (40), K Shekar (59), and two others passed away. The cause of death will be determined only after the post-mortem.
- Furthermore, at least 18 individuals were advised to be sent to Puducherry Jipmer Hospital and six others to Salem Government Hospital for specialized care. Kallakurichi Government Hospital has 12 ambulances assigned.
New District Collector and Superintendent of Police are appointed.
CM Stalin dispatched senior ministers EV Velu and Ma Subramanyam to Kallakurichi to provide all necessary help to the distressed family. MS Prashanth has been appointed as the new District Collector of Kallakurichi, and Rajat Chaturvedi as the new Superintendent of Police.