New Delhi, June 20: At least 35 people have died and over 60 others have been hospitalized in Tamil Nadu’s Villupuram district after consuming spurious liquor, officials said on Thursday.
The incident occurred in Karunapuram village in Villupuram district. The victims reportedly consumed the spurious liquor on Tuesday night. Many of the victims are from poor and marginalized communities.
Chief Minister’s Response:
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has expressed deep sorrow over the incident and ordered a thorough investigation. He has also announced a compensation of ₹1 lakh for the families of the deceased.
“I am deeply saddened and shocked by the news of the deaths of people who consumed spurious liquor in Villupuram. I have ordered a thorough investigation into the incident and have directed the suspension of officials responsible for the negligence,” Stalin said in a statement.
Governor’s Concern:
Governor R.N. Ravi has also expressed his grief over the deaths and called for stricter action against those responsible for the tragedy.
“I am deeply saddened by the reported deaths due to the consumption of illicit liquor in Villupuram. Several other victims are in critical condition and battling for life. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the speedy recovery of those hospitalized,” Ravi said in a statement.
“Incidents of tragic deaths due to the consumption of illicit liquor are frequently reported from various parts of our state. This reflects the continuing lapses in preventing the production and consumption of illicit liquor. This is a matter of serious concern,” he added.
Recurring Hooch Tragedies:
The Tamil Nadu hooch tragedy is a grim reminder of the devastating consequences of illegal liquor consumption. The incident underscores the need for concerted efforts to address the issue of illicit liquor sales and ensure the safety of public health.
In 2023, at least 11 people died after consuming spurious liquor in two separate incidents in Tamil Nadu’s Villupuram and Chengalpattu districts.
The recurring hooch tragedies highlight the need for stricter enforcement of laws against illegal liquor production and sales. It is also crucial to raise awareness about the dangers of consuming spurious liquor, especially among vulnerable communities.
Deependra Singh Chundawat is a Senior Sub-Editor at Udaipur Kiran, specializing in a wide range of technology topics including mobile phones, applications, gaming, PCs, and wearables. Along with covering the latest tech news, he also creates engaging web stories. Passionate about emerging technologies, he stays up to date with the newest trends and enjoys reading and writing about the latest mobile launches and digital innovations.