Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin Assures Help for Children Affected by Kallakurichi Tragedy

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], June 21: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin announced that the state government will cover the education and hostel expenses for children who lost one or both parents in the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy. Speaking in the Assembly, Stalin shared that 47 people died on June 19 after consuming poisonous illicit liquor mixed with methanol.

Stalin expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and detailed the government’s support plan. Children who lost both parents will receive Rs 5000 monthly until they turn 18, and Rs 5 lakh will be deposited in their names as a fixed deposit. For children who lost one parent, Rs 3 lakh will be deposited. These children will also get priority in all government welfare schemes.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker M Aappavu revoked the eviction of AIADMK members after an appeal by Stalin. The AIADMK members had demanded Stalin’s resignation, blaming him for the deaths. Stalin defended the government’s actions and requested the Speaker to allow AIADMK MLAs back into the assembly.

Stalin also mentioned that the Kallakurichi District Collector has been transferred, and the SP and other police officials have been suspended. The case has been handed over to the Crime Branch, Crime Investigation Department (CB-CID). Three accused in the case have been sent to 15 days of judicial custody.

A judicial inquiry led by retired Madras High Court judge Justice B Gokuldas has been ordered, with a report expected within three months. Victims are receiving treatment at various hospitals, including Kallakurichi Government Medical College and Hospital, Salem Hospital, Villupuram Medical Hospital, and JIPMER in Puducherry.