Death Toll From India’s Poisonous Liquor Tragedy Rises To 47

A tragic incident in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu has resulted in the deaths of over 47 people and left more than 100 others hospitalized after consuming a toxic batch of illicit liquor.

The outbreak, which began on Wednesday, has seen more than 150 individuals seeking medical attention after drinking methanol-laced spirits in the Kallakurichi area, located approximately 250 kilometers from Chennai, the state capital.

As of Friday morning, 118 people remain under treatment in various hospitals across the district and nearby regions.

On Thursday, officials confirmed the death toll at 36, which has since risen. In response, police have arrested four individuals linked to the illegal sale of the toxic beverage and seized 200 liters of the contaminated alcohol.

Illegal alcohol, often referred to as “hooch” or “country spirits,” frequently causes fatalities in India, particularly among those who cannot afford branded spirits.

This incident has intensified calls from the public and activists for stricter enforcement against illicit alcohol vendors.

The Tamil Nadu government is actively working to identify and prosecute those involved in the production of methanol, a hazardous chemical commonly used in industrial applications.

In the aftermath, videos have emerged showing mass cremations, with families performing last rites in close proximity to each other.

This tragedy echoes a similar event last year in a nearby region of Tamil Nadu, where over a dozen people lost their lives due to poisoned liquor.

The recent incident underscores the urgent need for rigorous measures to prevent the recurrence of such heartbreaking events.

SOURCE: NEWS AGENCIES