The CBCID police investigation has revealed that the illicit liquor sold in Kallakurichi contained methanol mixed with water, leading to severe health consequences.In Kallakurichi, 229 people fell ill after consuming illicit liquor. Among them, 150 have recovered, 65 succumbed to the poisoning, and 14 are still undergoing treatment in various hospitals.
The CBCID police registered a case and arrested 21 individuals, including illicit liquor dealers and methanol suppliers. Key suspects include Kannukutti Govindaraj (50), his wife Vijaya (44), Chinnadurai (36), and Joseph (40). These 11 main suspects are currently in police custody for interrogation.
The investigation revealed that Gauthamsanth and Banshilal from Chennai, who have licenses to import methanol from other states, illegally sold methanol to unlicensed individuals like Chennai’s Sivakumar and Madurai’s Madhesh. These individuals then sold the methanol to illicit liquor traders in Karunapuram, Madhavacheri, and Seshachamudram, who mixed it with water and sold it as illicit liquor.
Following these findings, five of the 11 main suspects were produced in court and remanded in custody yesterday evening. The police continue to interrogate the remaining six individuals.
This case highlights the severe consequences of consuming adulterated illicit liquor and underscores the need for stricter enforcement of regulations and monitoring of methanol sales to prevent such tragedies in the future.