The death toll in Tamil Nadu’s Kallakurichi district has risen to 29 after a tragic incident involving the consumption of illicit liquor, officials confirmed on Thursday.
“Twenty nine are confirmed dead,” stated MS Prashanth, the newly appointed Kallakurichi District Collector.
In addition to the fatalities, over 60 people have been hospitalized due to the incident. A total of 107 people have been admitted to the Kallakurichi Government Medical College Hospital, with 59 of these patients being referred to hospitals in Salem, Villupuram, and Puducherry. Among the 29 confirmed deaths, 18 occurred at the Kallakurichi Government Medical Hospital, while 11 were reported from other hospitals. Fifteen people were admitted to the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research (JIPMER) last night.
In response to the tragedy, the Tamil Nadu government has made significant administrative changes. On Wednesday evening, the state government transferred District Collector Sravan Kumar Jatavath and suspended Superintendent of Police Samay Singh Meena. MS Prasanth has been appointed as the new district collector, and Rajat Chaturvedi as the new superintendent of police.
Political leaders have been vocal in their response to the incident. AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami criticized the ruling DMK government and demanded the resignation of DMK Chief and State Chief Minister MK Stalin. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Palaniswami expressed his shock and called for personal engagement with the victims’ families:
“Hearing the news that the death toll has risen to 29 due to the consumption of illicit liquor in Kallakurichi has shocked me. In the context of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly convening today, traditionally, condolence resolutions will be read and passed for several individuals, including former members who have passed away. On behalf of AIADMK, I record my condolences for the deceased.”
Palaniswami emphasized the need for direct involvement and empathy, stating, “However, in this situation, it is paramount to personally meet the families of those who tragically lost their lives due to the overall administrative failure and lethargic approach of the DMK government. The ongoing deaths emphasize the need for direct involvement and empathy. I express my deepest condolences and regrets to the families of the deceased and pray for the speedy recovery of those receiving treatment in hospitals.”
He also announced his intention to visit Kallakurichi: “I am now heading to Kallakurichi to meet the families of those who died due to the consumption of illicit liquor and those receiving treatment in hospitals. #Resign_Stalin.”
Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed his sorrow and confirmed actions taken against the responsible officials. In a post on X, 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.”
Stalin assured the public of stringent measures against such crimes: “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.”