Kallakurichi, Tamil Nadu – A tragic incident has claimed 47 lives in Kallakurichi, Tamil Nadu, after the consumption of methanol-laced hooch. This disaster underscores significant regulatory gaps in the state’s liquor control mechanisms and has led to swift governmental action.
The victims, who ingested methanol—a highly toxic industrial alcohol—rather than ethanol used in consumable alcoholic beverages, experienced severe health complications, including blindness, organ failure, and death. The methanol, reportedly stolen from industrial sources, was illicitly sold as alcohol. Investigations have led to several arrests, tracing the supply chain back to suppliers in Puducherry. Tamil Nadu Police confirmed that the methanol was not locally produced but smuggled and sold clandestinely.
In immediate response to the tragedy, the shocked state government ordered the suspension of Kallakurichi Superintendent of Police, Samay Singh Meena, and transferred District Collector Sravan Kumar Jatavath. Additionally, a dozen police officials and personnel from the Prohibition Enforcement Wing (PEW) were either suspended on charges of dereliction of duty or transferred pending inquiry. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin expressed his shock and ordered the Home Secretary and the Director General of Police to rush to the spot. He issued stern instructions to take action against all individuals suspected of involvement in the crime.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of the incident, issuing notices to the Tamil Nadu government. The NHRC’s statement emphasized the violation of the right to life and demanded a comprehensive report within four weeks, covering the investigation’s status, medical treatment provided to the victims, and compensation for the affected families
Chief Minister Stalin has faced substantial criticism for the state’s failure to prevent the sale of illicit liquor. Despite stringent laws, enforcement appears inadequate, allowing such catastrophic events. In response, CM Stalin has ordered a thorough investigation, transferring the case to the Crime Branch-Criminal Investigation Department (CB-CID). He has assured the public that stringent measures will be implemented to prevent future occurrences and that those responsible will face strict penalties.
The tragedy underscores the urgent need for stricter regulation and monitoring of industrial chemicals and more robust enforcement of liquor laws. The Tamil Nadu government’s response in the coming weeks will be critical in addressing these systemic issues and preventing future incidents.
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