The Crime Branch-CID is set to begin the investigation into deaths due to the consumption of spurious liquor in the state on Thursday. Two ADSPs, Gomathi and Maheshwari, have been appointed as the investigating officer in Villupuram and Chengalpattu respectively.
ALSO READ: 'Not Fully Happy... But DK Had To Accept': Shivakumar's Brother On Him Getting K'taka Deputy CM Post
On Wednesday, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin held a review meeting with police and officials at Chennai Secretariat on the spurious liquor deaths. During the meeting, the officials also discussed anti-smuggling measures taken in the state. The CM also popularized the use of a toll-free number 10581 to provide information regarding spurious liquor in the state.
Till now, 21 persons have died in two hooch tragedies in the state. Of the 21 persons, 13 persons belonged to Ekkiyarkuppam at Marakkanam in Villupuram and 8 persons were from Chithamur in Chengalpattu. The chemical sourced from Chennai individual was sourced to the local sellers in both districts.
Murder Charges To Be Invoked Against Accused
Meanwhile, the police arrested three persons from Chennai and Puducherry in connection with the case. Villupuram police arrested Puducherry-based Elumalai and Barakathullah for allegedly supplying methanol to local sellers in Tamil Nadu.
Another person Ilaya Nambi, who owns a chemical company in Chennai, was picked up from Chennai. Ilaya Nambi reportedly sold 1,200 liters of methanol to Elumalai and Barakathullah for Rs 66,000 in the "black market".
Of the 1,200 liters, 5 liters were sold in Marakkanam and 3 liters in Chithamur. The police seized the remaining 1,192 liters of methanol.
On Wednesday, the police said, the charge of murder against all 13 accused persons.