34 die, scores hospitalised after taking alcohol in India

The victims consumed locally brewed arrack, which was laced with poisonous methanol. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin confirmed the presence of methanol, a highly toxic substance often used as antifreeze, in the deadly concoction. Methanol can cause severe health issues such as blindness, liver damage, and even death when ingested in small quantities.

Stalin announced that arrests have been made in connection with the deaths. He emphasized the gravity of the crime, stating that such actions “ruin society and will be suppressed with an iron fist.” Additionally, the Chief Minister’s office released a statement highlighting the government’s commitment to cracking down on the illegal alcohol trade.

In response to the incident, authorities have suspended a senior police official and ten members of the state’s prohibition enforcement wing for negligence. This enforcement wing is responsible for preventing the smuggling of illicit alcohol in Tamil Nadu. The suspension aims to address and rectify the lapses in oversight that contributed to this tragedy.

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India faces a recurring problem with deaths caused by cheap, illegally produced alcohol. Bootleggers often add methanol to increase the potency of their concoctions, leading to numerous fatalities each year. Despite Tamil Nadu not being a dry state, the black market for alcohol thrives due to the lower prices of illicit liquor compared to legally sold alcohol.

According to M.S. Prasanth, a top government official in Tamil Nadu’s Kallakurichi district, more than 100 people have been hospitalized following the incident. This case highlights the ongoing dangers of illegal alcohol production and the need for stringent measures to prevent such tragedies.

While Tamil Nadu permits the sale of alcohol, many parts of India have prohibitions on liquor consumption and sales. These restrictions often drive the black market for alcohol, resulting in the production of potent and sometimes lethal backstreet moonshine.

The recent deaths in Tamil Nadu underscore the urgent need for effective regulation and enforcement to combat the illegal alcohol trade. The government’s swift actions and arrests signal a determined effort to prevent future tragedies and protect public health.

34 die, scores hospitalised after taking alcohol in India