Thirty-four people belonging to Kallakurichi district have died following consumption of ‘methanol mixed arrack,’ Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin said on Thursday, as he vowed to take stern action against those responsible and hold officials accountable for their failure to prevent the incident.
“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. “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,” he added.
Four Arrested
As four people were arrested in the Kallakurichi case, Stalin directed officials to appoint a one-man commission led by retired Madras High Court Judge B Gokuldas, to make recommendations on measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents and probe the reasons behind the deaths.
The chief minister said four persons linked to the sale of poisonous arrack have been arrested so far and announced Rs 10 lakh assistance to each of the families of 34 people who died after consuming illicit arrack. Also, he announced Rs 50,000 assistance to those who are being treated in hospitals. Also, the CM said the state Home Secretary and Director General of Police will submit a report on the hooch tragedy following inspection.
Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly today paid tributes to the Kallakurichi victims and those who died in the Kuwait blaze and former legislators who passed away. The brief session commenced with Speaker M Appavu making obituary references to the departed and the members of the House observed a minute’s silence as a mark of respect.
Expressing shock over the deaths in the illicit liquor consumption case, the Speaker said the state government was taking steps to contain the sale of spurious liquor and following the incident, Chief Minister M K Stalin initiated steps to provide medical treatment to the affected. Appavu, who read out the condolence resolution, expressed shock and anguish over the death of innocent lives in the Kuwait blaze and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.