International

55 people died, 142 people were hospitalized due to drinking fake alcohol

PV • DNUM_CDZAGZCACE 7:43

The death toll from drinking spurious liquor in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu has risen to 55, with 142 others still in hospital with poisoning, the Hindu newspaper reported.

The incident occurred in Kallakurichi, about 250 km from the state capital Chennai. The first reports of deaths due to spurious liquor in the area began on June 18, and the number has steadily increased since then. Following a preliminary investigation, police have arrested four suspected peddlers of the liquor and arrested 10 others. The state government has also suspended the district police chief, a deputy police chief, three inspectors and three sub-inspectors.

"The accused has been arrested. Action has been taken against officials who failed to prevent this. We will deal with them strictly. If the public complains about such crimes, we will take action," state Chief Minister Muthuvel Karunanidhi Stalin said on social media.

The chief minister announced compensation of 100,000 rupees ($1.2 thousand) to the families of those who died due to alcohol poisoning and 50,000 rupees to those who were poisoned. He also ordered the formation of an inquiry committee, which will submit a report on the incident within three months.

The Indian government is looking to reduce alcohol consumption by imposing heavy taxes of up to 70% or placing restrictions on alcohol sales. People in this country consume moonshine, a traditional liquor made from coconut, sugarcane, cashew nuts, etc., which is often produced improperly and leads to poisoning or death.