Kallakuruchi hooch tragedy: EPS demands CM Stalin own moral responsibility and resign

CHENNAI: Denouncing the DMK regime over its complete failure of widespread sale of spurious liquor that led to Kallakuruchi hooch tragedy, Leader of Opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami on Thursday said Chief Minister M K Stalin should take moral responsibility for the tragedy that claimed over 36 lives and resign.

"I was shocked to hear the news that the number of deaths due to consuming illicit liquor in Kallakurichi has risen. As the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly convenes today, as per tradition, condolence resolutions will be read and passed for many including former members who have passed away. On behalf of AIADMK, I express my condolences to the deceased," the opposition leader tweeted on 'X'.

The sale of spurious liquor is happening with the blessing of the ruling party and it has been sold in the vicinity of the police station and court in the district headquarter of Kallakuruchi. Similar situation prevails across the state and the CM deflects such serious issues every time by constituting committees instead of redressing the issues, Palaniswami told the media persons after meeting the victims of the hooch tragedy in Kallakurichi. Former ministers C V Shanmugam and C Vijayabaskar accompanied Palaniswami.

There are 130 persons undergoing treatment and many of them are in critical condition. "As many as 22 people had died in two different incidents in Chengalpattu and Villupuram districts last year. If the CM had taken stern measures following the incidents, we could have averted a repeat of such tragedies now. But the CM diverted the issues instead of redressing it, " he said and noted that the AIADMK would extend monthly financial assistance of Rs 5000 for next 10 years for three children, who lost both their parents, and take care of their educational needs.

Pointing out to state Health Minister Ma Subramanian and PWD Minister E V Velu statements that the government would have acted upon sale of spurious liquors, if information furnished to it, the LoP said his party MLA M Senthilkumar had flagged the issue a week ago to SP of Kallakuruchi over the phone and urged him to take action. "I have made an appeal to the government and flagged the issue of indiscriminate sale of drugs (ganja/narcotic substances) and spurious liquors on several occasions, but nothing happened, " he said.

He also slammed former district collector and Superintendent of Police, who were transferred and suspended respectively, for trying to cover up the death of three persons due to consumption of spurious liquor from Kallakuruchi on Wednesday. "It shows the entire district administration acted in a manner to cover the truth. It is condemnable, " he said.