In response to the devastating hooch tragedy in Kallakurichi district, CPI State Secretary R. Mutharasan has urged the Tamil Nadu government to ensure that all those involved in the incident are brought to justice. The tragedy has resulted in the deaths of over 35 individuals who consumed methanol-laced illicit liquor in Karunapuram, with many more hospitalized.
Terming the deaths as “heartbreaking,” Mutharasan highlighted the longstanding issue of hooch sales in the region. “Locals are saying that the sale of hooch in the area is continuing for 20 years with the support of police and revenue officials,” he stated. He commended Chief Minister M.K. Stalin for taking immediate action by transferring the district collector, suspending the Superintendent of Police (SP), and handing the investigation over to the Crime Branch-Criminal Investigation Department (CB-CID).
Mutharasan emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to ensure accountability. “Since the officials and individuals are involved in the production of hooch, they should also be arrested like the sellers are arrested,” he said. He stressed that a complete investigation is necessary to ensure that no one escapes the law, particularly those who have facilitated the illegal liquor trade over the years.
The CPI leader pointed out that the closure of a Tasmac wine shop in Karunapuram had been exploited by perpetrators to increase hooch sales, exacerbating the tragedy. “A complete investigation should be conducted to ensure no one escapes from the law. Moreover, the perpetrators leveraged the closure of a Tasmac wine shop in Karunapuram to increase their hooch sale,” Mutharasan noted.
In addition to demanding strict legal action, Mutharasan urged the government to provide relief to the families of the deceased. He called for comprehensive rehabilitation aid to support the affected families in coping with their loss and rebuilding their lives. This includes financi