Spurious Liquor Claims 13 Lives in TN; 9 Arrested, 7 Cops Suspended

Chennai: At least 13 persons breathed their last and several others were hospitalized after consuming spurious liquor in two separate incidents in Tamil Nadu on Sunday.

Spurious liquor claimed nine lives in Marakkanam of Villupuram district in Tamil Nadu.  Four other persons died after drinking illicit liquor at Maduranthakam in Chengalpattu district.

The Tamil Nadu government suspended seven policemen in connection to these liquor deaths. The police have registered 57 cases and arrested nine persons. The arrested persons allegedly produced and supplied spurious liquor and gutka.

More than 25 persons affected by the spurious liquor were undergoing treatment in hospitals. It is suspected that the spurious liquor consumed by the victims contained methanol. In both cases, liquor used for industrial purposes has been used.

In both incidents, a few accused are absconding and special teams have been formed to nab the accused. Three inspectors and four sub-inspectors were suspended from both districts for dereliction of duty. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, in a statement, said he was saddened by the deaths in the state due to the consumption of liquor. He ordered a solatium of Rs 10 lakh to the family of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the people hospitalized in the incident.