Death Toll Rises to 47 in Tainted Liquor Case in Tamil Nadu

On the 21st of June, an official statement revealed the devastating news that the death toll from the consumption of tainted liquor in Tamil Nadu had risen to 47, with over 100 individuals still receiving medical care.

Reports indicated that more than 150 people had fallen ill after consuming methanol-laced liquor in the Kallakurichi district, located approximately 150 miles from the state capital, Chennai.

Government Response

The state government took immediate action by arresting four individuals involved in the illegal sale of liquor and confiscating about 44 gallons of the toxic substance. In addition, disciplinary measures were implemented against 10 officials for their failure to prevent the tragic incident.

Tragically, this is not an isolated occurrence in the region, as last year witnessed a similar incident resulting in the loss of more than a dozen lives in a nearby district.

Call for Change

The public and activists have vehemently demanded a stringent crackdown on the sale of illicit alcohol, commonly referred to as "hooch" or "country liquor," due to its affordability compared to branded spirits.

As authorities work to address the crisis, the Tamil Nadu government has outlined plans to identify those responsible for producing the lethal methanol-infused concoction, which is typically used for industrial purposes, emphasizing the urgency of preventing such tragedies in the future.

With a mass cremation already conducted for the deceased, families have bid their final farewells, marking the end of a heartbreaking chapter in the region's history.