12 people died in Tamil Nadu in two separate hooch cases wherein spurious liquor consumption caused fatalities and hospitalisations. 57 cases have been registered in the case while nine people have been arrested who allegedly produced and sold spurious liquor and Gutkha, said the state police. 12 people, including three women, have tragically lost their lives after consuming spurious liquor in Tamil Nadu. According to a police official, six individuals from Ekkiyarkuppam in Villupuram district died on Sunday, two in Maduranthagam, Chengalpattu, on Friday, and another couple on Sunday.
The consumption of illicit liquor is believed to be the cause of all these fatalities. The official further stated that more than two dozen individuals are currently undergoing treatment and are reportedly in stable condition, as reported by the news agency ANI.
In response to the incident, Inspector General of Police (North) N Kannan assured the victims and their families that appropriate actions would be taken. During an interview with ANI, he confirmed that both incidents occurred in the northern region of the state but noted that no link has been established between the two cases.
Addressing a press conference in Villupuram on Sunday, IG Kannan provided details about the incidents. He said, "Two incidents of spurious liquor have been reported, one in Chengalpattu district and another in Villupuram district. In Ekkiyarkuppam village, located in the Villupuram district near Marakkanam, six individuals were admitted to the hospital yesterday. They presented symptoms such as vomiting, eye irritation, and giddiness. Upon receiving the information, a police team promptly arrived at the village and ensured the admission of the affected individuals to the hospital. Unfortunately, four individuals did not respond to treatment and passed away, while two remain in the Intensive Care Unit. However, 33 individuals are responding well to the treatment."
Regarding the incident, IG Kannan stated, "A man identified as Amaran has been arrested in connection with the incident, and spurious liquor has been seized from his possession. It has been sent to the lab for testing to determine the presence of methanol." Expanding on the second incident in Chengalpattu, where four people died, he explained, "In the morning, a case was reported from Chithamur in Chengalpattu district, where two members of a family died, and another individual is currently undergoing treatment in the hospital. Initially, it was suspected to be a suicide attempt resulting from a family dispute. However, after observing the symptoms, we suspect it to be a spurious liquor incident. As a precautionary measure, an alert was raised in the area. Subsequently, two more individuals were admitted to the hospital with similar symptoms. Sadly, four people lost their lives, while the fifth person is currently undergoing treatment. An autopsy has been conducted, and an individual named Ammavasai has been arrested in connection with the incident."
IG Kannan acknowledged that a few accused individuals involved in both incidents are still at large. To address this, special teams have been formed to locate and apprehend them. With regard to the disciplinary actions taken against the officials involved, Kannan stated, "In Marakkanam, Villupuram, two inspectors and two sub-inspectors have been suspended. Similarly, in connection with the Chengalpattu incident, an inspector and two sub-inspectors have been suspended."