What is the TN hooch tragedy?
This hooch tragedy is one of the worst tragedies in the recent era. 47 people have died and 117 are battling for their lives after drinking methanol spiked liquor in Kallakurichi town which is around 200 kilometers away from Chennai, Tamil Nadu on June 20, Thursday. The victims also include a transgender and four women.
Investigation
The Crime Branch – CID has taken over the probe into the hooch tragedy case. The team for this case is led by Additional Deputy Superintendent of Police Gomathi. He visited Karunapuram, the source of the hooch tragedy and began the investigation.
Solution for Illicit Liquor
Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) founder Thol, Thirumavalavan suggested on June 20 that implementing liquor prohibition in the state would be a permanent solution for all illicit liquor problems. Thirumavalavan also said that actions should be taken against officials who had links with the sellers of illicit liquor.
Treatment for Patients
Sources have said that a 71 member team of specialist doctors from General Medicine, Nephrology, Anaesthesia, nurses and technicians are picked from Government medical college and hospitals in Villupuram, Tiruvannamalai, Tiruchy, Salem and Chengalapttu and sent to Kallakurichi medical college and hospital.
Devastated Families
Three children from one family have become orphans after their parents consume illicit liquor. The 14-year old Raghav said “When we returned from school, we were told our parents were unwell and were taken to the government hospital. Little did we realise that they had passed away while we were in school.”
Compensation
CM Stalin announced a compensation of Rs. 10 lakhs for the family of the deceased and Rs. 50,000 for patients who are undergoing treatment in the hospital. But the question is – will this money bring the dead back? Or is it just to hide the fact that the officials are failing miserably in doing their jobs.