The death toll rises to 53 with seven people arrested in the Kallakurichi tragedy
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin meets a patient undergoing treatment after consuming ‘methanol mixed arak’, in Kallakurichi district, Thursday, June 20, 2024 (Photo: PTI)
The death toll in the Kallakurichi Hooch tragedy has risen from 50 to 53, officials said on Saturday.
Kallakurichi District Collector MS Prasanth said that of the total 193 patients who consumed illicit liquor, 140 are currently safe.
“193 people who consumed illegal liquor came to the hospital. Of those, 193 to 140 are currently safe, while few are on ventilators. As of now, 53 people have died,” he said.
“So far, seven people have been arrested in the case. The case has been transferred to the CBI CID wing of Tamil Nadu Police. The patients are being provided with the best treatment. In the initial phase, special doctors were mobilized. Around 56 doctors were brought from several medical colleges. Many patients with respiratory problems have also recovered,” the Kallakurichi Collector said.
The action was taken by Tiruchirapalli District Collector, Pradeep Kumar and Superintendent of Police, Varun Kumar, based on inputs from intelligence agencies on Friday evening, police said.
District Collector Pradeep Kumar spoke to the locals and made them aware of the ill effects of illicit liquor. He also made them take an oath that they would not consume illegal liquor.
Addressing a session in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, Prime Minister Stalin said that the state government will bear the entire education and hostel expenses of children who lost one or both parents in the Kallkurichi tragedy.
There was uproar in the Tamil Nadu Assembly as members of the opposition AIADMK raised slogans demanding discussion on the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy.
(Only the headline and image of this report may have been reworked by Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is automatically generated from a syndicated feed.)
First print: June 22, 2024 | 11:20 am IST