Tamil Nadu govt should do more than give Rs 10 lakh in hooch tragedy: BJP leader SG Suryah

Tamil Nadu BJP State Secretary SG Suryah on Saturday targeted Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin's DMK government over the Kallakurichi Hooch tragedy, stating that the state government should do more than just give Rs 10 lakh to the families of the victims.

Tamil Nadu BJP State Secretary SG Suryah on Saturday targeted Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin's DMK government over the Kallakurichi Hooch tragedy, stating that the state government should do more than just give Rs 10 lakh to the families of the victims. At least 53 people have died and many are under treatment at various hospitals in Tamil Nadu after consuming illicit liquor in Kallakurichi.

Notably, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 10 lakh to the kin of each of the deceased victims, and Rs 50,000 each for the persons under treatment. He also mentioned that he and BJP party workers met with the victims of the Kallakurichi Hooch tragedy, totalling 29 families in Karunapuram village, on Saturday and gave each family Rs 1 lakh to conduct last rites and address their immediate needs.

He added, 'We also promised to provide central government schemes such as free housing and education for the victims' families to improve their lives.'" "Today afternoon, we met victims of 29 families in Karunapuram village, which is one small village where 29 victims (of the Kallakurichi Hooch tragedy are there). To all 29 families, we have given Rs 1 lakh each. Like our state, President Anamali says it's not an encouragement of any kind but to conduct their last rites to take care of their immediate needs. We also promised to give central government schemes like free housing, and free education for the victim's family... to make their lives better. The state government should do more than just give Rs 10 lakh," Suryah told ANI

The Director of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, S Ravivarman on Saturday visited Kallakurichi Government Hospital to meet the victims admitted after consuming illicit liquor. Kallakurichi Superintendent of Police, Rajat Chaturvedi, said that raids are going on in the state over the incident and the police will release a statement soon.

"The CB-CID is taking over the investigation...Victims are better, it's getting better...Raids have been going on since yesterday, on this we will be giving a press note," he said. As per the Kallakurichi Collector, seven people have been arrested in the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy.

"So far, seven people have been arrested in the case. The case has been given to the CBI CID branch of Tamil Nadu Police. The patients are being given the best treatment. Special doctors were mobilised in the initial stage. About 56 doctors were brought in from different medical colleges. Many patients who had respiratory problems have recovered too," the Kallakurichi Collector said. The death toll in the Kallakurichi Hooch tragedy rose from 50 to 53, officials said on Saturday.

Kallakurichi District Collector MS Prasanth said that out of the total 193 patients who consumed illicit liquor, 140 are currently safe. "193 people who have consumed illicit liquor have come to the hospital. Out of which 193, 140 are currently safe, while a few of them are on ventilators. Right now, 53 people have passed away," he said.

The Tamil Nadu government had ordered a judicial inquiry into the tragedy. The inquiry will be led by retired Madras High Court judge Justice B Gokuldas. Justice Gokuldas will submit a report within three months. The CB-CID of Tamil Nadu police, which was handed over charge of investigating the tragedy, commenced a probe under SP Shantharam.

Victims are undergoing treatment at the Kallakurichi Government Medical College and Hospital and in hospitals in Salem, Villupuram, and Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (Jipmer) in Puducherry. (ANI)

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