34 dead, over 100 hospitalized from toxic alcohol consumption in Tamil Nadu
Chennai: At least 34 people have died and over 100 others have been hospitalized in Tamil Nadu state of India after consuming locally made toxic alcohol.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the locally brewed arrack drink was laced with methanol, a poisonous substance that can cause blindness, liver damage, and death, Indian media reported. The incident happened in the state’s Kallakurichi district. Of the injured, many are stated to be in critical condition.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin confirmed the deaths and announced that arrests have been made in connection with the incident.
Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi expressed shock and sadness at the deaths, noting that many more victims are in critical condition.
The incident has sparked outrage and concern across the state, with demands for stricter enforcement of liquor laws and action against those responsible.
This tragedy highlights the ongoing problem of bootleg alcohol in India, which claims hundreds of lives every year. Last year, poisonous alcohol killed at least 27 people in one sitting in the eastern Indian state of Bihar, while in 2022, at least 42 people died in Gujarat.
