Deadly Illicit Liquor Kills 47, Leaves Over 100 Hospitalized; Mass Cremation Held for Dead
A deceased married couple’s bodies being prepared for cremation as mourners look on. 47 were pronounced dead after drinking deadly illicit liquor. (Photo: AP Photo/R. Parthibhan)
Reuters reported on Thursday that over 100 people were hospitalized and 47 were pronounced dead after imbibing deadly illicit liquor in the state of Tamil in Southern India. The illegal liquor was tainted with a deadly chemical called methanol.
The government initially shared that the death toll amounted to 36, but the number has risen steadily since then. Four people have been arrested and been accused of selling the illegal liquor. 200 liters of the methanol-tainted hooch were seized and 10 government officials are facing sanctions for their inability to avert the tragedy.
As of Friday morning, 118 people were still hospitalized.
The outlet reported that over 150 people started experiencing symptoms of diarrhea, stomach problems and vomiting after drinking the same liquor Wednesday. It was sourced to the Kallakurichi district, which is approximately 150 miles from the state capital.
Reuters reported that locals held a “mass cremation” for the deceased, and the tragic incident has drawn attention from high-profile figures in India.
India Today reported on Friday that Suriya, a celebrity known for starring roles in Bollywood films like “Jai Bhim” urged government officials to enforce prohibition.
“I hope that the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu will take decisions in the interest of the people with respect to the prohibition policy,” Suriya said. “50 deaths in a small town is a tragedy that does not happen even during calamities such as storms, rain and floods.”
The actor continued to stress the importance of government-supported rehabilitation programs for alcoholics and claimed that those struggling with alcoholism often turn to illegal alcohol when they don’t have the means to purchase booze that is regulated.
Reuters reported that deaths from illegal alcohol are fairly common and in 2023 over a dozen people died from drinking tainted “hooch” in Tamil Nadu. The continued tragic cycle from deadly liquor consumption has attracted the attention of activists, hoping to crack down on illegal liquor production.
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