News Tamil Nadu

#StalinMassacre Trends As Death Toll In Kallakurichi Hooch Tragedy Crosses 53

June 22, 2024
The Commune

The death toll from the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy in Tamil Nadu has increased to 53, with three additional deaths reported due to the consumption of toxic liquor in Karunapuram. Among the deceased were five women and a transperson.

According to The Hindu’s report, the distribution of deaths is as follows: 29 people died at the Government Kallakurichi Medical College Hospital, 17 at the Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College Hospital in Salem, four at the Government Villupuram Medical College Hospital, and three at the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (Jipmer) in Puducherry.

Currently, 141 individuals, including five women, are receiving treatment at the Government Kallakurichi Medical College Hospital, as well as in government medical college hospitals in Salem, Villupuram, and Jipmer in Puducherry.

On 22 June 2024, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin conducted a video conference with District Collectors and the District Superintendent of Police to review the actions taken to combat illicit liquor.

Following the BJP and AIADMK’s call for a CBI inquiry into the hooch tragedy, PMK founder S. Ramadoss also urged for the investigation to be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation, emphasizing the need to prosecute police officials who support the illegal trade.

Police in the Central Zone, covering nine districts, filed 342 prohibition cases on June 19 and 20, with Thanjavur district reporting the highest number of cases. Authorities are taking strict measures against those selling illegal liquor and those involved in its hoarding and smuggling, according to a police press release.

Madurai District Collector M.S. Sangeetha led a meeting with officials to prevent any attempts at brewing or selling illicit liquor through joint efforts of the district administration and police.

The Mayiladuthurai district administration has provided phone numbers for the public to report the sale of spurious liquor or banned tobacco products via calls and WhatsApp messages.

In light of the rising deaths, the Opposition parties and individuals on social media have been slamming the DMK government with the hashtag #StalinMassacre.

On 21 June 2024, the Madras High Court directed the Tamil Nadu government to explain why the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy. Justices D. Krishnakumar and K. Kumaresh Babu questioned whether the authorities had learned from previous incidents and implemented any preventive measures to avoid such tragedies.

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