BJP Protests Over Kallakurichi Hooch Tragedy in Tamil Nadu

BJP workers in Tamil Nadu staged a protest on Saturday over the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy, where 53 people lost their lives after consuming illicit liquor. The police detained the protestors.

The Director of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, S Ravivarman, visited the Kallakurichi Government Hospital to meet the victims. Kallakurichi Superintendent of Police, Rajat Chaturvedi, stated that raids are ongoing and the CB-CID is taking over the investigation.

The Kallakurichi Collector reported that seven people have been arrested, and 140 out of 193 affected individuals are currently safe. Special doctors were mobilized to treat the patients, and many have recovered from respiratory problems.

The Tamil Nadu government has ordered a judicial inquiry led by retired Madras High Court judge Justice B Gokuldas, who will submit a report within three months. Chief Minister MK Stalin announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 10 lakh to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for those under treatment.

Victims are receiving treatment at various hospitals, including Kallakurichi Government Medical College and Hospital, Salem, Villupuram, and Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (Jipmer) in Puducherry.