Kallakurichi hooch tragedy: Death toll rises to 58

BJP party cadres during a protest against the Kallakuichi hooch tragedy In Coimbatore. | Photo Credit: M. Periasamy

The death toll in the hooch tragedy in the Kallakurichi district rose to 58, with two more people losing their lives on the night of Sunday, June 23.

Also read: Kallakurichi hooch tragedy: Fermented with methanol and apathy

So far, 32 persons have died at the Government Kallakurichi Medical College and Hospital; 19 at the Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College and Hospital in Salem; four at the Government Villupuram Medical College and Hospital; and three at the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (Jipmer) in Puducherry.

As many as 32 deaths were reported from Karunapuram, the epicentre of the tragedy followed by Kallakurichi, Madhavacheri and Seshasamudram.

A total of 155 persons, including five women and one transperson, are undergoing treatment in hospitals. As many as seven persons, including two women have been discharged so far.

Meanwhile, the police on June 23, arrested Sivakumar, 30, suspected to be one of the main suppliers of methanol to the sellers of illicit liquor.

A central investigation unit of the enforcement wing of the Tamil Nadu police nabbed Sivakumar, who was hiding in his sister’s house at Sulapallam in Chennai, in the early hours of Sunday. He was handed over to the CB-CID for further investigations.

Actor and Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) founder Kamal Haasan on Sunday stressed the need for the establishment of counselling centres near liquor shops in the State to advise people on the ill-effects of liquor. Awareness boards should also be placed near the shops, he said, adding that everyone should unite and start a movement against liquor.