Tamil Nadu hooch tragedy: Death toll increases to 12; CM Stalin announces Rs 10 lakh to victims' kin

As many as 12 persons have died in two districts of northern Tamil Nadu after consuming suprious alcohol. The two separate incidents related to hooch were reported from Chengalpattu and Villupram.

According to the reports, eight people have died in Villupuram thus far while four in Chengalpattu have lost their lives. Seven policemen were suspended on Sunday, May 14 following the incident.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has also announced a relief of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of the victims. While the hospitalised persons will get Rs 50,000.

Victims possibly consumed liquor with ethanol-methanol mixture

Inspector General of Police (North) N Kannan on Sunday said that the victims possibly consumed liquor that reportedly contained a mixture of ethanol-methanol and other chemical substances.

No evidence between the two

He said that the two separate incidents of spurious liquor deaths were reported in the north zone of Tamil Nadu but there was no evidence found of a link between the two incidents but the police are investigating.

"Two spurious liquor incidents have been reported, one in Chengalpattu district and another one in Villupuram district. In Ekkiyarkuppam village under Villupuram district near Marakkanam, yesterday (May 13) six persons were hospitalised with complaints of eye irritation, vomiting and giddiness," the police official said.

"Upon receiving information, a police team reached the village and admitted the ill to hospital. Four persons have died as they didn't respond to the treatment while two are in the Intensive Care Unit. 33 are doing well with treatment," IG Kannan said addressing a press conference at Villupuram on Sunday.

"In connection with the incident, a man identified as Amaran has been arrested and spurious liquor has also been seized from his possession. It has been sent to the lab to ascertain the presence of methanol in it," IG said further.

Suspected sucide initially, stated top cop on Chengalpattu incident

Detailing the incident in Chengalpattu district, Inspector General Kannan said, "In the morning, one case was reported from Chithamur of Chengalpattu district where two persons of a family died. While another person was undergoing treatment in the hospital. Initially, we thought this could be a suicide attempt because of a family dispute but after watching their symptom we suspected it to be a spurious liquor incident."

"Following this an alert was raised in the area. Later two more were admitted to the hospital with similar symptoms. A total of four people died while the fifth is undergoing treatment. An autopsy has been done and in connection with the incident one accused named Ammavasai has been arrested," the police official added.

Published on: Monday, May 15, 2023, 01:09 PM IST