The incident in Karunapuram village of Kallakurichi district in which up to 52 people died after consuming poisonous liquor mixed with methanol has shocked not only Tamil Nadu but India as well. In this connection, the police department has arrested 5 people including Kannugutty (A) Govindaraj who sold fake liquor. Further, the CBCID police department is investigating the matter.
However, the AIADMK and the BJP are demanding a CBI probe into the liquor deaths. At the same time, Minister Raghupathi explained that there is no need for a CBI investigation as the government is acting transparently.
In this context, Union Minister of State L. Murugan, speaking to the media, said, “The death of smugglers in Kallakurichi is a huge disaster. No one can justify this incident. CM Stalin should take full responsibility for this. The Chief Minister should immediately go to Kallakurichi and meet the affected people and console them.
There has been a protest on behalf of the BJP across Tamil Nadu demanding the resignation of the Minister of Alcohol Prohibition and Narcotics. The Kallakurichi incident shows the biggest failure of the Tamil Nadu government. Such a big incident has happened under the department under the hands of the Chief Minister. All the victims are innocent people. This was not a methanol issue but it happened because of government complacency.
Relief should be given, not only announced that we will bear the education expenses of the children, but a serious investigation should be conducted in this regard. They announced that they will reduce Tasmac shops if they come to power. But the record is the doubling of Tasmac stores after DMK came to power. Beyond this, cannabis and other drugs are easily available. The Tamil Nadu government should take immediate action to eradicate counterfeit liquor completely. At least 1000 Tasmac shops should be closed,” he insisted.
To the question that the relief provided to the families of the victims has come under criticism, he said, “It is their duty to compensate the government for its wrongdoing. Because such a mistake would not have happened if a government was functioning properly. Therefore, compensation should be given to those who died,” he said.
