Madras High Court questions Tamil Nadu government over Kallakurichi hooch tragedy, demands accountability and preventive measures
On 21 June 2024, the Madras High Court ordered the Tamil Nadu government to explain why the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy, in which 52 people have died so far, despite the incidents of 22 deaths after drinking adulterated liquor in Villupuram district. , and in Chengalpattu district last year. Justices T.Krishnakumar and K.Kumaresh Babu questioned whether the authorities had learned lessons from previous incidents and taken any preventive measures to avoid such tragedies. These concerns were raised during the hearing on a petition seeking a CBI probe into the Kallakurichi incident.
This petition was filed by AIADMK legal wing secretary I.S. Pleasure in public welfare. His lawyer T. Selvam, on March 29, 2023, AIADMK MLA M. Senthilkumar accused the state government of indifference to a specific demand regarding the sale of fake liquor.
Justice Kumaresh Babu, Advocate General P.S. Raman must ensure that a detailed action report is submitted to the court by June 26. The report should outline the steps taken by the state government following the legislative resolution and describe the casualties during the previous year. Justice Krishnakumar reminded the Advocate General of earlier reports, including news articles and YouTube channels, exposing widespread illegal sale of liquor in Kallakurichi and across the state, often with the complicity of officials.
Responding to this, the Advocate General (AG) told the court that following the Marakanam and Chengalpattu incidents, the investigation has been transferred to the Crime Branch-Criminal Investigation Department (CBCID). As a result, many were arrested and some were arrested under the Gangster Act. Also, action was taken against the police involved in this matter. The AG highlighted the transfer of the Collector and the suspension of the Superintendent of Police in the wake of the Kallakurichi tragedy. Also, Additional Director General of Police and CIT Superintendent of Police, Enforcement Division were also transferred.
The AG told the court that the government has appointed a one-man commission headed by retired High Court judge P. Gokuldas to investigate the Kallakurichi incident. The commission will make recommendations on measures to prevent such incidents from happening in future. Regarding the medical response, the AG said that 162 doctors have been assigned to treat the patients in Kallakurichi and 89 patients are currently stable. He noted that more than 20 patients are in critical condition. In response, the judges directed the government to ensure that these patients get better medical care.
The judges said that a final decision on the CBI inquiry petition will be taken only after the state government submits a detailed counter affidavit to the current PIL by June 29, 2024. They also sought an action report on preventive measures implemented. Following last year’s hooch tragedies.
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