Chennai: The death toll from the Tamil Nadu Hooch tragedy has now reached 56, according to a report released by the district administration on Sunday. The District Collectorate in Kallakurichi provided details stating that a total of 216 individuals were admitted to four hospitals across Tamil Nadu after consuming illicit liquor. At Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (Jipmer) in Pondy, 17 patients are currently alive, with three fatalities reported. At Vilupuram Medical College, four individuals survived while four succumbed to the tragedy.

The highest number of deaths occurred at Kallakurichi Medical College, where 31 fatalities were recorded, and 108 patients remain under medical care. At Salem Medical College, 30 patients are recovering while 18 have tragically passed away. Official data confirms that out of 160 hospitalized individuals, 55 have lost their lives. Among the patients, 152 are male survivors, while 51 are deceased. In response to the incident, BJP workers in Tamil Nadu staged a protest on Saturday condemning the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy. S Ravivarman, Director of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, visited Kallakurichi Government Hospital to meet victims affected by the consumption of illicit liquor.

Following the tragic event, the Tamil Nadu government initiated a judicial inquiry, appointing retired Madras High Court judge Justice B Gokuldas to lead the investigation. Justice Gokuldas is expected to submit a comprehensive report within three months. In a compassionate gesture, Chief Minister MK Stalin announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 10 lakh to the families of each deceased victim, and Rs 50,000 for each person currently receiving medical treatment.

The CB-CID of Tamil Nadu Police has taken charge of the investigation into the tragedy, led by SP Shantharam. As per the Kallakurichi Collector, seven individuals have been arrested in connection with the hooch tragedy.

GST Council Reduces Tax on Milk Cans, Social Media Misrepresents Decision

Dozens of Cow Carcasses Found in Seoni; Police Detain Seven Suspects, Including Shadab and Wahid

AAP Claims Arvind Kejriwal’s Health Declining Rapidly Since Arrest, Lost 8 kg