TN Liquor Tragedy Death Toll Reaches 22; NHRC Issues Notice to DMK Govt

Chennai: The death toll in hooch tragedies in Villupuram and Chengalpattu districts of Tamil Nadu rose to 22 as four more deaths were reported on Tuesday.

Out of them, 14 have died in Marakkanam of Villupuram district and eight from Maduranthakam in Chengalpattu district lost their lives after consuming illicit liquor.

On Tuesday, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued notices to the ruling DMK government in Tamil Nadu and DGP Sylendra Babu over the twin hooch tragedies.

The NHRC asked that the Tamil Nadu government to prohibit the sale and consumption of illicit liquor.

Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai accused DMK of providing compensation to the accused, Amavasai. The Tamil Manila Congress will hold a demonstration in Chennai on May 20 against the sale of illicit liquor. The party would also launch a statewide campaign on May 22 over the issue.