34 Dead, Over 70 Hospitalized in Kallakurichi and Puducherry Hooch Tragedy

Jun 20, 2024, 03:55 AM

At least 34 people have died and over 70 have been hospitalized after consuming illicit liquor in Tamil Nadu's Kallakurichi district. The tragedy has prompted Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin to order a CB-CID inquiry and announce a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for those undergoing treatment. The incident has led to the arrest of multiple individuals involved in the sale of the spurious liquor, and actions have been taken against local officials who failed to prevent the tragedy. The state government has also formed a one-man commission headed by former judge Justice B. Gokuldas to investigate the matter further. The death toll is expected to rise as several of the hospitalized individuals remain in critical condition. Additionally, 16 people have been hospitalized in Puducherry related to the same incident.