On Thursday, June 20, TN BJP President K. Annamalai penned a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the tragic spurious liquor incident in Karunapuram, Kallakurichi district, Tamil Nadu, which resulted in the loss of at least 38 lives.
Expressing profound concern, Annamalai highlighted the toll of over 60 lives lost to hooch in Tamil Nadu over the past two years under what he termed as ineffective governance by the DMK government. He alleged that illicit liquor production and sale in the state are facilitated by DMK party functionaries and cadres. According to him, these illegal liquor points of sale are strategically located near judicial courts, police stations, and other government offices.
Annamalai referenced a similar incident in May 2023 in Marakkanam (Villupuram district) and Chengalpattu district, which claimed 23 lives, underscoring the recurring nature of such tragedies.
In his letter, Annamalai expressed dismay over the recent Karunapuram tragedy, stating that it had claimed 36 lives initially, with over 90 individuals undergoing treatment in government hospitals, and fears that the death toll may rise further.
He pointed out that families of the victims alleged the sale of illicit liquor occurred prominently in prime areas of Kallakurichi, implicating local political leadership and alleging complicity of the local police. Annamalai asserted that the sale of illicit liquor happens openly with the knowledge and possible cooperation of the local police, whom he claimed operate under the direction of DMK leadership.
Given what he described as the dire state of governance in Tamil Nadu under the DMK, Annamalai requested Shah’s intervention to initiate a CBI inquiry. He expressed apprehension that the state police, allegedly under DMK influence, might hinder bringing those responsible to justice.
Our detailed press briefing after meeting the families of the victims of the illicit liquor tragedy in Kallakurichi yesterday.
Tomorrow (22.06.2024), Brothers & Sisters of @BJP4TamilNadu will protest across TN against the DMK govt, condemning their gross inefficiency that has… pic.twitter.com/NZwB6f30Ia
— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) June 21, 2024
The letter concluded with a plea for Shah’s office to order a CBI investigation, citing BJP Tamil Nadu’s belief that such an inquiry would be crucial to uncovering the truth behind the tragic incidents and ensuring accountability.
Recent developments surrounding the tragic spurious liquor incident in Kallakurichi district, Tamil Nadu, have sparked widespread outcry and action from various political figures and authorities.
On behalf of @BJP4TamilNadu, we kindly request our Hon Home Minister Thiru @AmitShah avl to order a CBI enquiry into the deaths caused by illicit liquor in Kallakurichi, Tamil Nadu & all the persons responsible for the death of innocent lives be brought before the court of law. pic.twitter.com/2mNCeVp1bF
— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) June 20, 2024
According to reports from local TV channels, the death toll from the incident has now risen to 50, with detailed figures provided hospital-wise. Additionally, more than 115 individuals continue to receive treatment in various hospitals.
TN BJP President K. Annamalai expressed deep dismay in a tweet over the mass cremations of those who lost their lives, criticising the DMK government’s handling of the situation. He questioned the effectiveness of commissions and committees set up by the government and demanded accountability, specifically calling for the resignation of the Prohibition Minister.
Disheartening to see the Mass cremation of those who lost their lives to illicit liquor in Kallakurichi.
Commissions & committees in the DMK govt are setup for the sake of it. People demand accountability. When will the Prohibition Minister resign, Thiru @mkstalin? pic.twitter.com/R6yXbuXKpl
— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) June 20, 2024
Annamalai announced a statewide protest in response to the deaths attributed to illicit liquor consumption in Kallakurichi, where at least 34 people have died and over 100 others remain hospitalised, including five in critical condition. He visited the families of the deceased and personally checked on those undergoing treatment, promising immediate financial relief of Rs 1 lakh to each victim’s family. He also pledged to support their sustainable livelihood through various Central government schemes and loans.
In response to the tragedy, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin issued a statement on Thursday, detailing measures taken by the government. He announced the formation of a one-man commission led by retired High Court Justice P. Gokuldas to investigate the incident thoroughly. Stalin emphasised the arrest of those involved in the production and distribution of methanol-mixed alcohol and the government’s efforts to seize and destroy such hazardous substances.
Former AIADMK leader Palaniswami also visited hospitals in Kallakurichi, criticising the DMK government and alleging involvement of DMK strongmen in the sale of illicit liquor in northern districts. He pointed out the brazenness of such activities happening near police stations and courts, suggesting complicity or negligence by local authorities.
Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu prohibition enforcement wing took action by seizing and destroying 2400 litres of illicit brew in Vellore district. However, criticisms mounted regarding the government’s failure to use stringent laws like the Goondas Act against those responsible for brewing illicit liquor, as highlighted by Annamalai.
Critics also slammed the DMK government for its inability to eradicate the illicit liquor menace while focusing on other issues like the removal of religious symbols. The arrest of individuals involved in the incident, including Chinnadurai and bootlegger Govindaraj (known as Kannukutty), has intensified calls for CM Stalin to resign, with accusations of moral responsibility and incompetence in handling the crisis that has claimed nearly 50 lives and left hundreds with severe health complications, including vision loss.
The situation remains tense as investigations continue and political pressures escalate, demanding swift justice and effective preventive measures against such tragedies in the future.
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