L Murugan demands resignation of Excise Minister


Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, L Murugan, has called for the resignation of Tamil Nadu Prohibition and Excise Minister S. Muthusamy in response to the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy, which has claimed numerous lives.

Addressing the media, L Murugan highlighted the inaction following previous incidents, particularly the 2023 Marakkanam tragedy, where several people died from consuming illegal arrack. Although a CB-CID investigation was ordered at the time, no significant actions have been taken so far. Murugan emphasized the need for the government to take decisive steps to prevent the spread of illicit liquor and to ensure that the Kallakurichi incident is not ignored in the same manner.

“Chief Minister Stalin should visit Kallakurichi and meet the affected people. Immediate resignation of the minister Muthusamy will be the justice given to the affected people,” Murugan stated emphatically.

He urged the government to go beyond merely setting up an inquiry commission and to implement strong measures to control the illegal liquor trade. Murugan suggested closing down TASMAC shops as a potential step towards curbing the availability of illicit alcohol.