Blame game

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Monday announced the transfer of probe into the illicit liquor deaths in Marakkanam in Villupuram district and Maduranthakam in Chengalpattu district to the Crime Branch-CID. The CM also announced the suspension of Villupuram Superintendent of Police N. Shreenatha, Deputy Superintendent of Police Palani (PEW) Villupuram, and Deputy Superintendent of Police of PEW Chengalpattu. The Superintendent of Police of Chengalpattu A. Pradeep has been transferred.Preliminary investigations suggests that industrial methanol was used in the preparation of the spurious liquor. Stalin said the spurious liquor was packed in liquor bottles of TASMAC and sold.The Chief Minister announced disbursal of Rs 10 lakh each to the next of kin of deceased victims in both incidents and Rs 50,000 each to those undergoing treatment in hospitals in Villupuram, Puducherry, and Chengalpattu districts. Law enforcement authorities have been directed to nab all those involved in the incidents.