Kallakurichi hooch tragedy 2024: A pall of gloom
A compilation of stories on the hooch tragedy that saw the deaths of 69 persons at Karunapuram village in Kallakurichi district of Tamil Nadu
In one of the most devastating hooch tragedies in Tamil Nadu's recent history, at least 69 people, including women, lost their lives due to illicit arrack consumption. Over 130 others were hospitalized across Kallakurichi, Villupuram, Salem, and Puducherry JIPMER. In response to the tragedy, Tamil Nadu's government dismissed District Collector Sravan Kumar Jatavath and temporarily suspended Superintendent of Police Samay Singh Meena. A Central Bureau of Investigation (CB-CID) probe was initiated by the state government.
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin established a one-man commission led by retired High Court judge Justice B. Gokuldas to investigate the incident thoroughly. Additionally, the Chief Minister announced a financial compensation package: ₹10 lakh per family of the deceased and ₹50,000 for those receiving medical treatment. Four individuals were arrested in connection with the preliminary inquiry, with the prime accused, Chinnadurai from Sankarapuram, identified as the supplier of the lethal liquor. Chinnadurai was apprehended in Kadampuliyur, Cuddalore district.
The tragedy dominated the Tamil Nadu Assembly session, commencing on June 20, 2024, provoking statewide demonstrations from opposition parties like AIADMK and BJP. Opposition parties have expressed their disapproval of the tragic event and the government's reaction.
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