AIADMK’s Edapadi Palanisami Demands CBI Probe into Kallakurichi Tragedy

Following the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy in which 66 people lost their lives, AIADMK General Secretary Edapadi Palanisami has reiterated the party’s demands for a CBI investigation. He alleged that the state police are involved in the matter and insisted that only a CBI probe can ensure the real culprits are punished.

Addressing media persons, Palanisami stated, “Kallakurichi illicit liquor case should be investigated by CBI. The state police are involved in this matter so if the state government investigates, the real culprits will not be punished. Therefore, CBI should investigate and arrest the real culprits.”

According to the latest figures, the death toll in the tragedy is 66. Currently, two people are undergoing treatment at Kallakurichi Government Medical and Hospital, six in Puducherry, and eight in Salem government hospitals, totaling 16 people receiving treatment.

The National Commission for Women (NCW) had earlier taken suo moto cognizance of a media report on the deaths and constituted a three-member inquiry committee, led by NCW Member Khushbu Sundar, to look into the matter. The committee visited the families of the victims in Kallakurichi district.

On June 28, a delegation from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), including BJP leaders Anil Antony, Arvind Menon, and MP GK Vasan, met with the National Commission for Scheduled Castes Chairman, Kishore Makwana, to submit a memorandum regarding the tragedy. They appealed for adequate compensation and justice for the victims’ families.

Edapadi K Palaniswami, along with AIADMK party workers, has also staged a hunger strike demanding a CBI inquiry and the resignation of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin over the “inefficiency of the DMK government.”