At least 29 people were feared killed after consuming spurious liquor at Kallakurichi in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday. Government doctors from Villupuram, Tiruvannamalai and Salem have been rushed to Kallakurichi hospital to assist, and supervise treatment.
At least 18 people have been referred to Puducherry JIPMER Hospital for specialty treatment, and six others to Salem government hospital. As many as 12 ambulances have been stationed at the Kallakurichi government hospital.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Kallakurichi District SP, Samay Singh Meena, has been removed from the post and replaced by Rajat Chaturvedi. Meanwhile, Kallakurichi District Collector Sravan Kumar Jatavath has been transferred.
In a post on 'X,' Stalin expressed shock and grief over the deaths. Those involved in the crime have been arrested and action has been taken against police personnel who failed to prevent it, he said. He assured immediate action against those involving in "such crimes" if people share information. "Such crimes which ruin the society will be crushed with an iron fist," the CM added. The AIADMK lashed out against the ruling DMK over the matter.
A 49-year old man, K Kannukutti, has been arrested and an analysis of about 200 litres of arrack seized from him has disclosed the presence of deadly methanol, the government said. Chief Minister M K Stalin has ordered a CB-CID probe to ensure a comprehensive investigation.
(With agency inputs)
