Kallakurichi hooch tragedy: 69 dead, CM announces probe and relief
At least 69 people died and over 130 were hospitalised after consuming spurious liquor in Kallakurichi, prompting a judicial probe and arrests.
A devastating hooch tragedy in Tamil Nadu's Kallakurichi district has claimed at least 69 lives, including women, with more than 130 others hospitalised across government facilities in Kallakurichi, Villupuram, Salem, and Puducherry's JIPMER. The incident ranks among the worst illicit liquor disasters in the state's history.
In response, the Tamil Nadu government has taken swift administrative action. District Collector Sravan Kumar Jatavath has been transferred, while Superintendent of Police Samay Singh Meena has been placed under suspension. A CB-CID probe has been ordered into the matter.
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has constituted a one-man commission, headed by former High Court judge Justice B. Gokuldas, to conduct a thorough inquiry. The state has also announced a solatium of ₹10 lakh for the families of each deceased and ₹50,000 for those undergoing treatment.
Preliminary investigations have led to four arrests, including the prime accused, Chinnadurai of Sankarapuram, who allegedly supplied the lethal brew. Bootlegger Govindaraj alias Kannukutty, his wife Vidya, and his brother Damodaran have also been taken into custody. Chinnadurai was apprehended in Kadampuliyur in Cuddalore district.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the state's political landscape, disrupting the Tamil Nadu Assembly session that commenced on June 20, 2024. Opposition parties, including the AIADMK and BJP, have launched statewide agitations demanding accountability.