Tamil Nadu’s high official, Chief Minister M. Ok. Stalin, mentioned he was “shocked and saddened” by the deaths and promised to take motion towards anybody concerned within the illicit liquor enterprise.
At least one particular person was arrested and about 44 gallons of the methanol-mixed alcoholic beverage had been seized, the federal government mentioned.
“Those concerned within the crime have been arrested… motion has additionally been taken towards the officers who failed to forestall it,” Stalin mentioned in a social media put up on Thursday, including that he had ordered an investigation. “Such crimes that break the society will probably be suppressed with an iron fist,” he mentioned.
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Stalin’s administration suspended the superintendent of police within the Kallakurichi district, the place the alcohol deaths occurred, together with the district’s high tax official.
The state authorities deployed a group of specialist medical doctors to Kallakurichi to assist hospitals take care of the excessive variety of circumstances. M. S. Prasanth, one other senior state official, mentioned the variety of sufferers in important situation was altering, indicating that the variety of deaths may improve.
Deaths from illegally brewed alcohol are widespread in India. The liquor is commonly produced by spiking off-the-shelf alcohol with low-cost chemical substances akin to methanol and even pesticides to extend its efficiency. It’s an unorganized, unlawful, however vastly worthwhile commerce.
Bootleggers promote huge portions at reduce charges to the poor, with out paying taxes to the federal government.
In December 2022, greater than 30 folks died within the japanese Indian state of Bihar after consuming tainted alcohol. In July 2002, 28 folks died and 60 turned ailing after consuming bootleg liquor within the western state of Gujarat, the place the sale of alcohol is banned.
