2024 Tamil Nadu alcohol poisoning
 | This article documents a current event. Information may change rapidly as the event progresses, and initial news reports may be unreliable. The latest updates to this article may not reflect the most current information. (June 2024) |
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| Date | June 20, 2024 |
|---|---|
| Venue | Karunapuram, Kallakurichi, Tamil Nadu |
| Type | Mass poisoning |
| Cause | Poisoning from hooch |
| Deaths | 52 |
| Non-fatal injuries | 100+ |
The 2024 Tamil Nadu alcohol poisoning took place in Kallakurichi district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu on 20 June 2024. Consumption of illegally made liquor resulted in 52 deaths and more than 100 injuries.[1][2]
Background[edit]
Illegal home-brewed liquor is consumed in various parts of India due to its cheaper price compared to the commercially available brands. These illicit liquors frequently have additional chemicals added to them such as pesticides or methanol, in order to increase potency.[3]
There had been sporadic incidents of poisoning involving illegal liquor in India in the preceding years. In 2020, at least 120 people had died from consuming illicit liquor in Punjab and in 2022, 30 people died in Bihar and 28 died in Gujarat from similar incidents.[4]
Incident[edit]
On 20 June 2024, an incident of poisoning due to the consumption of illicit liquor occurred in Karunapuram in Kallakurichi district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. 52 people died and more than 100 were injured after consuming alcohol tainted with methanol.[5][6] The injured were treated at various Government hospitals in the state and as of 21 June, 28 people were reported to be in critical condition.[7]
Aftermath[edit]
Chief minister of Tamil Nadu M. K. Stalin announced an ex gratia of ₹10 lakh (US$12,000) for the family of the deceased and ₹50,000 (US$600) for the injured.[8] The government appointed a one man commission headed by former judge B. Gokuldas to investigate the incident.[9][10] On 21 June, three people were arrested in connection with the case.[11]
Reaction[edit]
Governor of Tamil Nadu R. N. Ravi expressed shock over the incident and offered his condolences.[12] Bharatiya Janata Party state president K. Annamalai and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam president Vijay criticized the government for the tragedy and demanded resignation the ministers concerned.[13][14][15]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ Janardhanan, Arun (21 June 2024). "Toll in Kallakurichi hooch tragedy rises to 34, around 100 in hospitals, 5 critical". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 20 June 2024. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
- ^ "Tamil Nadu Hooch tragedy: Death toll rises to 29, AIADMK demands CM Stalin's resignation". The Financial Express. 21 June 2024. Archived from the original on 20 June 2024. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
- ^ Zargar, Arshad R. (20 June 2024). "Tainted liquor kills more than 30 people in India in the country's latest bootleg alcohol tragedy". CBS News. Archived from the original on 20 June 2024. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
- ^ "Illegally brewed liquor kills at least 34 with dozens hospitalized in southern India". Associated Press. 20 June 2024. Archived from the original on 20 June 2024. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
- ^ "Kallakurichi hooch tragedy Highlights: Death toll rises to 38, CB-CID begins probe". The Hindu. 21 June 2024. Archived from the original on 20 June 2024. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
- ^ Prasad, S. (21 June 2024). "Kallakurichi hooch tragedy: Victims leave behind shattered families, broken dreams". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 20 June 2024. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
- ^ "Kallakurichi hooch tragedy: Death toll climbs to 47, over 100 others undergoing treatment". The Hindu. 21 June 2024. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
- ^ "Tamil Nadu Hooch Tragedy: Death Toll Rises to 34, CM M.K. Stalin Announces Rs 10 Lakh Compensation". Lokmat Times. Indo-Asian News Service. 21 June 2024. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
- ^ "Kallakurichi deaths: Justice Gokuldas Commission to submit report in three months". The News Minute. 21 June 2024. Archived from the original on 20 June 2024. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
- ^ "Tamil Nadu hooch tragedy: Death toll rises to 38; Stalin orders judicial probe". The Times of India. 21 June 2024. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
- ^ "Tamil Nadu hooch tragedy: Prime accused arrested; death toll rises to 50". Onmanorama. 21 June 2024. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
- ^ "T.N. Governor R.N. Ravi condoles death of Kallakurichi hooch tragedy victims". The Hindu. 20 June 2024. Archived from the original on 21 June 2024. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
- ^ "Tamil Nadu Hooch Tragedy: Annamalai Announces State-wide Protest on June 22". Deccan Chronicle. Deccan Chronicle. 20 June 2024. Archived from the original on 21 June 2024. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
- ^ "Tamil Nadu's illicit liquor case: BJP announces State-wide protest against ruling DMK government on June 22". The Hindu. 20 June 2024. Archived from the original on 20 June 2024. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
- ^ "'Shocking and heartbreaking': Actor Vijay mourns loss of 34 lives in Kallakurichi hooch incident". Asianet News. 20 June 2024. Archived from the original on 20 June 2024. Retrieved 21 June 2024.