The death toll in the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy in Tamil Nadu has tragically risen up to 57, according to the latest update from the district administration. Currently, 156 individuals are undergoing treatment in multiple government hospitals.
At the Kallakurichi Government Medical College hospital alone, 110 people are receiving medical care. Additionally, 12 patients are admitted in Puducherry, 20 in Salem, and 4 in the Villupuram government hospital, as reported by the district authorities.
The fatalities include 32 deaths at the Government Kallakurichi Medical College and Hospital, 18 at the Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College and Hospital in Salem, 4 at the Government Villupuram Medical College and Hospital, and 3 at the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (Jipmer) in Puducherry.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed condolences for the victims and announced that the state government would cover the educational expenses and hostel fees for children who lost one or both parents in the tragedy. He also pledged ₹5000 monthly assistances until the age of 18 for orphans and immediate fixed deposits of ₹5 lakhs on their names.
The CB-CID of Tamil Nadu police has initiated an investigation under SP Shantharam following the incident. Seven individuals have been arrested in connection with the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy, as confirmed by the Kallakurichi Collector.
Recently, bodies buried without post-mortem were exhumed to determine the exact cause of death, enabling the families to receive ex-gratia payments. A total of 216 patients were admitted to hospitals after consuming the illicit liquor, with many still under medical supervision.
