The death toll in Tamil Nadu’s Kallakurichi district due to consumption of illicit liquor has climbed to 34, with approximately 100 others hospitalized, five of whom are in critical condition as of Thursday morning. Notably, the majority of those affected by consuming adulterated liquor were from Karunapuram in Kallakurichi.
The symptoms on the affected persons began to show on Wednesday, leading to admissions at Kallakurichi Government Medical College and Hospital, as well as hospitals in Salem, Villupuram, and Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) in Puducherry.
Among the deceased are two women and a transgender person. Many succumbed on Wednesday night, while more than 60 others are currently undergoing treatment at various hospitals.
On Wednesday evening, the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government transferred District Collector Sravan Kumar Jatavath and suspended Superintendent of Police Samay Singh Meena.
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The state government announced that MS Prasanth has been appointed as the new District Collector and Rajat Chaturvedi as the new Superintendent of Police. AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami criticised the ruling DMK government and demanded the resignation of Chief Minister MK Stalin over the incident.
In a post on X, the AIADMK chief said, “Hearing the news that the death toll has risen to 29 due to the consumption of illicit liquor in Kallakurichi has shocked me. In the context of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly convening today, traditionally, condolence resolutions will be read and passed for several individuals, including former members who have passed away. On behalf of AIADMK, I record my condolences for the deceased.”
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“However, in this situation, it is paramount to personally meet the families of those who tragically lost their lives due to the overall administrative failure and lethargic approach of the DMK government. The ongoing deaths emphasize the need for direct involvement and empathy. I express my deepest condolences and regrets to the families of the deceased and pray for the speedy recovery of those receiving treatment in hospitals,” Palaniswami added.
He also mentioned that he would be heading to Kallakurichi district to meet the families of those who died after consuming illicit liquor.
Meanwhile, officials have expressed concern that the death toll may rise. Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed shock over the deaths and stated that action had been taken against the officials who failed to prevent it.