The internet is currently abuzz with an alleged letter from last year, in which AIADMK MLA M. Senthilkumar urged the Assembly Speaker to address the issue of counterfeit liquor sales in Kallakurichi during a Legislative Assembly session.
In Kallakurichi, the death toll from consuming counterfeit liquor has risen to 53 (as of 8 PM on 21 June 2024), with 168 individuals undergoing treatment, many in critical condition. According to information obtained from the TASMAC regional manager’s office in Villupuram and Kallakurichi district, there are 117 government-licensed TASMAC shops in Villupuram district and 103 in Kallakurichi district. Additionally, only 5 private bars are permitted to operate.
In Kallakurichi town, there are 34 bars including 2 TASMAC bars, and 45 TASMAC bars in Villupuram district. Unauthorized TASMAC bars, known as TASMAC Canteens, are operating within 100 meters of all TASMAC shops, where colored liquor bottles are allegedly smuggled from Puducherry and sold for ₹150 to ₹200 each when TASMAC shops are closed.
During a protest, AIADMK MLA Arjunan of Tindivanam openly accused that informing the police about these operations resulted in the informant being named. Recently, a person who posted a video on social media showing liquor bottles being sold in Arakandanallur police station limits was threatened, while the seller was arrested. Moreover, counterfeit liquor known as “Moolai Kadichan” in Villupuram district and “packet sarayam” in Kallakurichi district, sold under names like “Kadukkai Sarayam” (herbal liquor), continues to be a problem. In the past 24 hours alone, Villupuram district police have arrested 70 individuals for selling counterfeit liquor, seizing 150 liters of liquor and 850 bottles.
The letter from Kallakurichi ADMK MLA Senthilkumar to the Speaker on 29 March 2023, regarding counterfeit liquor sales, which was intended for discussion in the Legislative Assembly, has gained attention. The calling attention motion under Rule 55 of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, highlighted incidents such as the disappearance of Jaishankar from Koothakudi village of Kallakurichi district and reports of violence related to alcohol consumption. The letter, also signed by opposition leader Palaniswami and other AIADMK MLAs, has now gone viral on social media platforms, prompting calls for immediate action to curb the circulation of marijuana and bootleg liquor in the region.
Meanwhile, despite police actions, DMK MLAs Vasantham Karthikeyan and Udayasuriyan allegedly pressured authorities to release bootleg liquor dealers. It was also reported that banners erected for celebrating the victory DMK MP Malaiyarasan featuing bootlegger Kannukutty alias Govindarajan who was arrested, was hastily removed.
In response to these incidents, Minister EV Velu, responsible for combating counterfeiting, emphasized that counterfeit liquor is hazardous and pledged to take action against those responsible. The public has expressed concern over whether liquor adulterated with methanol qualifies as counterfeit alcohol, urging the government to clarify this distinction.
(With Inputs With Hindu Tamil)
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