Tragedy in Kallakurichi: 47 Dead and Over 100 Hospitalized After Consuming Tainted Liquor
In a devastating incident in Kallakurichi, Tamil Nadu, 47 people have died and over 100 have been hospitalized after consuming methanol-mixed tainted liquor. This tragedy has left more than 150 people suffering, as reported by Reuters. The incident mirrors a similar tragedy in a nearby district last year, where over a dozen people lost their lives due to tainted liquor.
Calls for Accountability
Renowned actors Vijay and Suriya have publicly condemned the government’s handling of the situation and demanded accountability. Both stars took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express their grief and frustration over the repeated occurrence of such incidents.
Vijay’s Statement
Vijay, speaking through the official account of his newly formed political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, tweeted in Tamil, “The news of the death of more than 25 people after consuming fake liquor in Karunapuram area of Kallakurichi district is shocking and heartbreaking. I offer my deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and pray to God for the speedy recovery of those undergoing treatment.”
He further criticized the government, saying, “The fact that such an incident has occurred again shows the indifference of the government administration when it has not yet fully recovered from the tragedy of losing many lives due to the same incident last year. I strongly request that the Tamil Nadu government should take strict precautionary measures to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.”
Vijay also visited the Kallakurichi Government Hospital to meet with the patients and the families of the deceased, offering his support and condolences in person.

Suriya’s Statement
Suriya also shared a heartfelt note in Tamil, expressing his disappointment in the lack of change since the last incident. His translated statement reads, “Only if the government and political parties act with foresight, such tragic deaths can be prevented in the future. Along with the people, I hope that the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu will take decisions in the people’s best interest on the prohibition policy after passing the short-term solutions.”
He added, “Last year, 22 people died after drinking poison mixed with methanol in Villupuram district. The government promised to take serious action. Now, people have died after drinking the same poisonous alcohol mixed with methanol in the neighboring district. Sadly, no change has taken place till now. Just as the government implements visionary action plans for the advancement of students in education, exemplary programs for rehabilitating alcoholics should be devised and implemented as a movement.”
Government Response and Future Measures
The repeated occurrence of such tragic incidents has sparked a debate on the effectiveness of the government’s policies and measures regarding alcohol regulation and public safety. Both Vijay and Suriya’s calls for stringent actions and foresighted policies highlight the urgent need for the government to address these issues comprehensively.
As the state mourns the loss of lives and prays for the recovery of the hospitalized, it is imperative for the government to take swift and effective measures to prevent such incidents in the future and ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens.