The death toll in the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy rose to 53 on Saturday, as reported by Tamil Nadu officials. Out of the 193 individuals who consumed the illicit liquor, 140 are currently safe, according to Kallakurichi District Collector MS Prasanth.
The tragedy has resulted in multiple fatalities across various hospitals. At least 30 people succumbed at the Government Kallakurichi Medical College Hospital, 17 at Salem’s Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College Hospital, four at the Government Villupuram Medical College Hospital, and three at Puducherry’s Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER).
“193 people who have consumed illicit liquor have come to the hospital. Out of which 193, 140 are currently safe, while few of them are on ventilators. Right now, 53 people have passed away,” stated Prasanth.
Arrests and Investigations
Seven individuals have been arrested in connection with the case, which has now been handed over to the CBI CID branch of the Tamil Nadu Police. “The patients are being given the best treatment. Special doctors were mobilized in the initial stage. About 56 doctors were brought in from different medical colleges. Many patients who had respiratory problems have recovered too,” Prasanth added.
Government Response and Seizures
In response to the incident, 250 liters of illicit liquor were seized and destroyed in Tiruchirapalli district. This operation was led by Tiruchirapalli District Collector Pradeep Kumar and Superintendent of Police Varun Kumar, following intelligence received on Friday night.
Ruckus in the Assembly
The Tamil Nadu Assembly witnessed chaos as members of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) demanded a discussion on the tragedy, shouting slogans and pressing for answers.
Support for Affected Families
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin announced on Friday that the state government would cover all educational and hostel expenses for children who lost one or both parents in the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy.
Judicial Actions
Earlier, three suspects in the case were remanded to judicial custody and transferred to Cuddalore Central Prison. The Kallakurichi police presented them before the district court, where Judge Sriram ordered that Govindaraj, Damadoran, and Vijaya remain in custody until July 5.
Crackdown on Illicit Liquor
The Tamil Nadu police have intensified their crackdown on illicit liquor activities across the state. In the Central Zone alone, police filed 342 prohibition cases over the last two days, with Thanjavur recording the highest number of cases.
In Madurai, District Collector MS Sangeetha led a meeting to coordinate efforts between the administration and police to prevent illicit liquor activities. Additionally, Mayiladuthurai district has provided contact numbers for reporting illegal liquor and banned tobacco sales via calls and WhatsApp.