Tamil Nadu BJP Leader SG Suryah Criticizes CM MK Stalin Over Kallakurichi Hooch Tragedy
On Saturday, Tamil Nadu BJP State Secretary SG Suryah criticized Chief Minister MK Stalin’s DMK government for its response to the Kallakurichi Hooch tragedy. The incident, which involved the consumption of illicit liquor, has resulted in the deaths of at least 53 people, with many others receiving treatment in various hospitals across Tamil Nadu.
Chief Minister MK Stalin announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 10 lakh to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to those undergoing treatment. However, SG Suryah argued that the state government should do more than just provide financial compensation. He and BJP party workers visited 29 affected families in Karunapuram village, offering Rs 1 lakh to each family for last rites and immediate needs. Suryah also promised to provide central government schemes such as free housing and education to the victims’ families.
The Director of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, S Ravivarman, visited 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. Seven people have been arrested so far, and the Kallakurichi Collector reported that 140 out of 193 affected individuals are currently safe.
The Tamil Nadu government has ordered a judicial inquiry into the tragedy, led by retired Madras High Court judge Justice B Gokuldas, who will submit a report within three months. Victims are receiving treatment at various hospitals, including Kallakurichi Government Medical College and Hospital, and facilities in Salem, Villupuram, and Puducherry.
