Tragedy in Tamil Nadu: Illicit Alcohol Claims 5 Lives, 20 Hospitalized

Tragic Incident

In Tamil Nadu's Kallakurichi district, five people have died and twenty others are seriously ill after consuming toxic alcohol. The alcohol, known as 'packet arrack,' contained deadly methanol. Victims suffered from vomiting and severe stomach pain. Despite medical efforts, G Praveen Kumar (26), D Suresh (40), K Sekar (59), and two others died.

Arrest and Investigation

Police arrested K Kannukutti, 49, for distributing the toxic alcohol. They seized 200 liters of illicit arrack from him. The state government has ordered a thorough investigation led by the CB-CID to prevent more incidents.

Government Response

Chief Minister M K Stalin has launched a CB-CID probe. He also transferred the District Collector and suspended the Superintendent of Police, along with nine other officers.

Opposition's Criticism

Opposition leader Edappadi K Palaniswami criticized the ruling DMK government, stating that around 40 people have been hospitalized due to illicit alcohol. He blamed the DMK for recurring deaths from toxic alcohol and demanded action.

Medical and Emergency Response

The government sent special medical teams to Kallakurichi Medical College Hospital. They also referred 18 patients to Puducherry JIPMER Hospital and six to Salem government hospital. Twelve ambulances were deployed to handle the emergency.

Political Reactions

PMK leader S Ramadoss and BJP state president K Annamalai criticized the DMK government. They demanded accountability and compensation for victims' families. 

- Prisha Jaiswal