Death toll in Kallakurichi Hooch tragedy increases to 42
The death toll in Kallakuruchi hooch tragedy increased to 42 on Thursday and 116 persons are still undergoing treatment in hospitals in Kallakuruchi and neighbouring districts.
The CB-CID has taken over the probe and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has appointed a one-member commission under former High Court Judge B. Gokuldas to conduct a thorough probe into the matter.
Condoling the deaths in the tragic incident, Chief Minister Stalin said he is deeply anguished and is monitoring all steps being taken in connection with the incident. In a statement, Stalin said CB-CID has taken over the probe in the case and he has directed the home secretary, DGP to visit Kallakuruchi and take necessary action. “Home secretary and DGP would conduct necessary probe and submit a report within two days,” he said.
Stalin added a meeting was conducted with ministers, senior government and police officials and they were directed to take stern action against those indulging in the production of spurious liquor. “Authorities have been directed to arrest all involved in the production of illicit liquor immediately, and seize and destroy methanol used for production of hooch,” Stalin said. He added police have been directed to also find the source of methanol.
The chief minister authorities have been directed to ensure special treatment for those undergoing treatment at hospitals in Kallakuruchi, Salem, Villipuram and JIPMER-Puducherry.
The state government announced a solatium of Rs 10 lakh for families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for those undergoing treatment. “The one-member commission will conduct a thorough probe into what led to the incident and would also recommend steps to be taken to prevent such incidents in the future,” Stalin said. He added that the commission will submit its report within three months.