25 Jun. 24: The death toll from the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy in Tamil Nadu rose to 57 on Monday, according to updated information from the district administration. Currently, 156 individuals are being treated in various government hospitals.
A total of 110 individuals are receiving treatment at Kallakurichi Government Medical College Hospital. Additionally, twelve people are admitted in Puducherry, twenty are receiving care in Salem, and four are being treated in Viluppuram government hospitals.
According to the Kallakurichi District Magistrate, seven people, including five men and two women, have been discharged from hospitals in Tamil Nadu after being treated for consuming illicit liquor.
So far, 32 people have died at the Government Kallakurichi Medical College and Hospital, 18 at the Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College and Hospital in Salem, four at the Government Villupuram Medical College and Hospital, and three at the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) in Puducherry.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin announced on Friday that the state government will cover the full education and hostel expenses for children who have lost one or both parents in the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy. The government has also pledged to provide a monthly assistance of Rs 5000 until the age of 18 for children who have lost both parents. Additionally, Rs 5 lakh will be immediately deposited as a fixed deposit in their names.
Stalin stated that once these minors turn 18, they can withdraw the amount along with the accrued interest. Similarly, Rs. 3 lakh will be deposited as a fixed deposit for children who have lost one parent. Children will also be given priority in all government welfare schemes, said the Chief Minister.
Meanwhile, the CB-CID of Tamil Nadu police, now in charge of investigating the tragedy, has begun their probe under SP Shantharam. According to the Kallakurichi Collector, seven people have been arrested in connection with the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy.
This tragedy is regarded as a significant failure of the intelligence agencies and the prohibition enforcement wing. Last year, 22 people died in Tamil Nadu after consuming methanol.
