Hooch tragedy: main supplier of methanol arrested
The death toll from the hooch tragedy in Kallakurichi district in Tamil Nadu has risen to 57, with one more person succumbing on Sunday night, June 23.
To date, the fatalities include 32 individuals at the Government Kallakurichi Medical College and Hospital, 18 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.
On Sunday, June 23, 2024, the police arrested Sivakumar, 30, who is suspected to be a key supplier of methanol to the illicit liquor vendors. Sivakumar was apprehended by a central investigation unit of the Tamil Nadu police Enforcement wing while hiding at his sister’s house in Sulapallam, Chennai. He has been handed over to the CB-CID for further investigation.
So far, seven people have been arrested in connection with the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy. The Tamil Nadu government has announced a rehabilitation program for bootleggers who wish to reform after serving their prison terms, with a ₹5 crore fund allocated for this initiative.
Additionally, authorities in Tiruchirapalli district have seized and disposed of 250 liters of illicit liquor in the wake of the Kallakurichi tragedy.