Tamil Nadu Hooch tragedy: Death toll rises to 17 in Salem Government Hospital

Salem (Tamil Nadu) [India], June 22 (ANI): The death toll of those who consumed methanol-laced liquor in Kallakurichi and were hospitalised at the Salem Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College and Hospital has risen to 17, the district collector said on Saturday.

This comes after several more fatalities were reported on Friday in the hospital.

One more person was admitted to the Salem government hospital on Friday, taking the total number of people who are undergoing treatment to 32, Kallakurichi district collector MS Prasanth said.

Tamil Nadu Health Minister Subramaniam Ma met with the Kallakurichi hooch victims at the Salem Government Medical College and Hospital and inquired about the treatment being provided to them on Friday.

“Till now 185 people have been hospitalised at four hospitals, Kallakurichi Hospital, JIPMER Hospital in Puducherry, Salem government hospital, and Viluppuram Government Hospital. Till now, 50 people have died. Our higher officials have been here for the past three days and are continuously monitoring the situation,” the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader said.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Friday said the state government will take care of the entire education and hostel expenses of children who have lost either one or both of their parents in the Kallakuruchi hooch tragedy.

Earlier, three accused in the Kallakurichi illicit liquor case were sent to 15 days of judicial custody and taken to Cudallore Central prison. The Kallakurichi police produced the accused before the district combined court.

Three accused named Govindaraj, Damadoran and Vijaya were sent to 15 days of judicial custody till July 5 by district court judge Sriram. The accused were sent to Cudallore Central Prison.