Once again, the failure of the Dravidian Stock Model government and its police machinery is evident, as over 32 impoverished individuals, mostly from the scheduled caste community, have lost their lives due to consumption of toxic liquor. At least 70 others who consumed the lethal brew are in critical condition, and hospital sources warn that the death toll could rise further if conditions do not improve.
#JustNow || விஷச்சாராய உயிரிழப்பு 31 ஆக அதிகரிப்பு..! #Polimer | #Kallakurichi | #CMMKStalin | #Death | #Liquor | #Methanol | #Investigation | #KallakurichiIssue | #PolimerNews pic.twitter.com/P1m3ki94px
— Polimer News (@polimernews) June 20, 2024
Police apprehended K Govindraj, a bootlegger, for selling illicit arrack and confiscated over 200 litres of the deadly brew. Samples analysed at a forensic laboratory revealed the presence of poisonous methanol. A viral video on social media depicted a man in a lungi seated on a roadside corner, exchanging liquor packets for money from customers.
கள்ளக்குறிச்சியில் சாராயம் குடித்து 4 பேர் உயிரிழந்ததாக கூறப்படும் நிலையில், சங்கராபுரம் பகுதியில் குடத்தில் வைத்து சாராய விற்பனை செய்யும் வீடியோ சமூக வலைதளத்தில் வைரல்..!#Kallakurichi | #Liquor | #Death | #LiquorSales | #PolimerNews pic.twitter.com/dUQte1nJHv
— Polimer News (@polimernews) June 19, 2024
It has been reported that residents of Kallakurichi and surrounding areas consumed illicit arrack sold by bootleggers in Karunapuram on the night of the 18th. Shortly after consuming the brew, many experienced symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, vomiting, nausea, severe stomach pain, and eye irritation before reaching home. Concerned relatives and passersby rushed them to nearby hospitals upon hearing their distress. According to hospital sources, some arrived already deceased or in critical condition. A somber atmosphere now pervades the village, where most residents are agricultural daily wage earners. The loss of loved ones is profound and irreplaceable, with grieving family members seen lamenting in front of television news crews.
”அய்யோ என் சாமி போய்ட்டியே, இனி உன்ன எங்கடா போய் பாப்பேன்”.. கள்ளச்சாராயத்தால் கண்ணீரில் தவிக்கும் கள்ளக்குறிச்சி.. மகனை பறிகொடுத்துவிட்டு மருத்துவமனை வாசலில் தரையில் படுத்து கதறி அழுத தாய் – நெஞ்சை உலுக்கும் காட்சிகள்#Kallakurichi | #SravanKumarIAS | #Died | #Liquor |… pic.twitter.com/mnxjimEPa8
— Polimer News (@polimernews) June 19, 2024
The officials have expressed concern that the death toll may go up. Kallakurichi District Collector MS Prasanth visited those undergoing treatment in Government Medical College Hospital in the district. Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed shock over the deaths and said that action had been taken against officials who failed to prevent it.
“I was shocked and saddened to hear the news of the deaths of people who had consumed adulterated liquor in Kallakurichi. Those involved in the crime have been arrested in this matter. Action has also been taken against the officials who failed to prevent it,” Stalin said in a post on X.
கள்ளக்குறிச்சியில் கள்ளச்சாராயம் அருந்தியவர்கள் உயிரிழந்த செய்திகேட்டு அதிர்ச்சியும் வேதனையும் அடைந்தேன். இந்த விவகாரத்தில் குற்றத்தில் ஈடுபட்டவர்கள் கைது செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளார்கள். தடுக்கத் தவறிய அதிகாரிகள் மீதும் நடவடிக்கை எடுக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது.
இதுபோன்ற குற்றங்களில் ஈடுபடுபவர்கள்… pic.twitter.com/QGEYo9FWJq
— M.K.Stalin – தமிழ்நாட்டை தலைகுனிய விடமாட்டேன் (@mkstalin) June 19, 2024
“Immediate action will be taken if the public informs about those involved in such crimes. Such crimes that ruin the society will be suppressed with an iron fist,” he added.
TN Governor RN Ravi condoled the deaths and wished for a speedy recovery of the victims.
“I was very shocked to know that many lives were lost in Kallakurichi due to consumption of counterfeit liquor. Many others are fighting for their lives in critical condition. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and a speedy recovery to those admitted to the hospitals,” a post shared by Tamil Nadu Raj Bhavan mentioned.
Deeply shocked at the reported loss of lives due to consumption of illicit liquor in Kallakurichi. Many more victims are in serious condition battling for lives. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for speedy recovery of those in hospitals. Every now and…
— LOK BHAVAN, TAMIL NADU (@lokbhavan_tn) June 19, 2024
The governor raised concern on continued reports on deaths due to consumption of spurious liquor from different partsof the state.
“From time to time, news emerges from different parts of our state about deaths due to consumption of spurious liquor. They reflect continuing shortcomings in curbing poisonous alcohol production and consumption. This is a matter of serious concern,” the post further stated.
TN BJP chief K Annamalai expressed shock on his social media, stating, “I am shocked to hear about the loss of precious human lives due to the illicit brew. It is reported that more than ten individuals are currently hospitalised and receiving treatment. It is heart-wrenching to witness parents crying over the loss of their children and wives mourning the deaths of their husbands due to the consumption of illicit liquor.”
He further criticised the state government, noting that this tragedy occurred less than a year after the Marakkanam and Maduranthagam hooch tragedies, highlighting the government’s inefficiency in tackling illicit liquor in the state. Annamalai emphasised that despite previous incidents, including allegations against DMK minister Gingee Mastan’s links with bootleggers, the government has failed to take adequate action.
“I condemn the government for its lackadaisical attitude,” Annamalai continued. “Despite numerous government-run TASMAC liquor shops, illicit liquor continues to flow freely in the state. I urge the state government to immediately dismiss Mastan and Excise Minister Muthuswamy for their failure to prevent the sale of illicit liquor. There is zero accountability in the DMK government, and ministers do not appear to fear consequences for associating with illicit liquor sellers.”
கள்ளக்குறிச்சியில் மீண்டும் ஐந்து பேர், கள்ளச்சாராயத்துக்குப் பலியாகியிருக்கிறார்கள் என்ற செய்தி மிகுந்த அதிர்ச்சி அளிக்கிறது. பத்து பேருக்கும் மேல், மருத்துவமனையில் தீவிர சிகிச்சையில் உள்ளார்கள் என்று தெரிகிறது.
மரக்காணம், மதுராந்தகம் பகுதிகளில், கள்ளச்சாராயத்துக்கு 23…
— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) June 19, 2024
Interestingly, the Tamil Nadu media refrained from conducting marathon debates on this crucial issue, instead echoing the government’s perspective which downplays the severity of the deaths and the ongoing crisis. Critics argue that if the government had taken stringent action against the illicit liquor gangs, over 30 lives could have been spared. Recent observations by the High Court highlight that without the knowledge and cooperation of the lower levels of the police force, illicit liquor would not flow so freely. Allegations suggest that these bootleggers are politically well-connected, with money allegedly flowing from bottom to top.
The Tamil Nadu government annually generates over ₹50,000 crores from its TASMAC liquor shops. Prohibition was lifted citing deaths caused by consuming illicit brew and the migration of buyers to neighboring states, resulting in revenue loss. Despite TASMAC outlets now operating almost round the clock, illicit liquor sales continue to thrive. This is because poor and daily wage earners cannot afford the periodically revised costs at state-run shops, thus turning to cheaper illicit liquor brewed and sold by politically influential individuals. Workers often seek alcohol for immediate relief from family stress and pain, often overlooking the associated health risks.
Leader of the opposition, Edappadi K Palaniswami, citing local news reports, informed the media that approximately 40 people have been hospitalised after consuming illicit arrack. He criticised the DMK regime for ongoing deaths due to illicit liquor consumption, noting his consistent efforts to raise the issue and demand action in the state Assembly.
NDA ally and PMK founder leader S Ramadoss held Chief Minister Stalin accountable for the deaths, alleging that both the police department and the government have failed to curb the sale of illicit arrack. He urged the government to provide Rs 10 lakh as compensation to the families of the deceased.
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