Chennai: The death toll has risen to 54 due to tainted liquor consumption in India’s southern state of Tamil Nadu, with over 100 individuals still hospitalized, confirmed a government official on Saturday.
Since Wednesday, nearly 200 people have sought medical treatment for symptoms including vomiting, stomach aches, and diarrhea after consuming liquor contaminated with methanol. The incident occurred in the district of Kallakurichi, approximately 250 km (150 miles) from Chennai, the state capital.
According to M.S. Prasanth, a senior district official, law enforcement authorities have arrested seven individuals, and further actions are being pursued against liquor vendors and producers in the district.
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Deaths linked to illicitly produced alcohol, commonly referred to as country liquor, are unfortunately frequent in India, where many cannot afford branded spirits. Despite public outcry for stricter measures against such vendors, these incidents continue to occur.
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The state government has announced efforts to identify those responsible for the methanol production, a hazardous chemical typically used for industrial purposes.
