Tamil Nadu Hooch Tragedy: 56 Dead, Chief Minister MK Stalin Announces Help
The death toll in the Tamil Nadu hooch tragedy has risen to 56, according to a report released by the district administration. A total of 216 patients were admitted to four hospitals in Tamil Nadu after consuming illicit liquor.
Hospital Reports
| Hospital | Alive | Dead |
|---|---|---|
| Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (Jipmer), Pondy | 17 | 3 |
| Vilupuram Medical College | 4 | 4 |
| Kallakurichi Medical College | 108 | 31 |
| Salem Medical College | 30 | 18 |
Most deaths occurred at Kallakurichi Medical College, where 31 people died. The official data shows that 152 male patients are alive, whereas 51 are dead.
Government Actions
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 10 lakh to the kin of each deceased victim and Rs 50,000 for those under treatment. A judicial inquiry led by retired Madras High Court judge Justice B Gokuldas has been ordered, with a report due in three months. The CB-CID of Tamil Nadu police, under SP Shantharam, has commenced a probe, and seven people have been arrested.
Protests and Visits
BJP workers in Tamil Nadu staged a protest over the tragedy. The Director of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, S Ravivarman, visited Kallakurichi Government Hospital to meet the victims.
