
The devastating hooch tragedy in Kallakurichi, Tamil Nadu, has claimed the lives of 57 individuals, as confirmed by the district administration on Monday. Additionally, 156 people are currently undergoing treatment across various government hospitals in the region, highlighting the scale of the crisis.
Among those receiving medical care, 110 individuals are being treated at the Kallakurichi Government Medical College hospital, while 12 are admitted in Puducherry, 20 in Salem, and 4 in the Villupuram government hospital, according to district authorities. The tragic toll includes 32 deaths at the Government Kallakurichi Medical College and Hospital, 18 at the Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College and Hospital in Salem, 4 at the Government Villupuram Medical College and Hospital, and 3 at the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (Jipmer) in Puducherry.
In response to the calamity, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has expressed condolences and announced measures to support affected families. The state government will cover educational expenses and hostel fees for children who have lost one or both parents in the tragedy. Monthly assistance of ₹5000 until the age of 18 will be provided to children who have lost both parents, along with a fixed deposit of ₹5 lakh in their names.
Amidst the grieving and relief efforts, the CB-CID of Tamil Nadu police has initiated an investigation led by SP Shantharam. Seven individuals have already been arrested in connection with the incident, as confirmed by the Kallakurichi Collector.
Further investigations have been conducted, including the exhumation of bodies for postmortem examinations to ascertain the cause of death accurately. The goal is to ensure that families receive the necessary ex-gratia support, as a total of 216 patients were admitted to hospitals after consuming the illicit liquor, with many still undergoing medical care.
Sources By Agencies