The Crime Branch-CID has taken over the probe into the deaths of 22 persons who had consumed spurious liquor in the two districts of Villupuram and Chengalpattu.
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In the Villupuram case, Additional Deputy Superintendent of Police Gomathi has been appointed as the investigation officer while Additional Deputy Superintendent of Police Maheshwari has been named as the investigation officer in the Chengalpattu case.
According to the police, the two separate incidents of spurious liquor deaths were reported in the northern districts of Tamil Nadu in which 22 people have lost their lives since May 12.
The toll in the twin hooch tragedies in Villupuram and Chengalpet districts rose to 22 on May 16. A total of 13 deaths were reported in Villupuram and 9 in Chengalpattu, Director-General of Police (DGP) C. Sylendra Babu had said.
CM Stalin seeks weekly report on action against illicit liquor
On May 14 and 15, Chief Minister Stalin announced a solatium of ₹10 lakh to each of the families of the deceased and also announced a compensation of ₹50,000 each to those hospitalised.
Mr. Stalin, during a review meeting he chaired on May 17, instructed government officials to ensure continuous action against illicit liquor, and submit a weekly report on this to him every Monday, through the Principal Secretary of the Home, Prohibition and Excise Department.
He also directed District Collectors to organise weekly coordination meetings regarding the prohibition of illicit liquor and drugs every Monday, with the participation of the police, revenue officials, and the district managers of TASMAC.
NHRC issues notices
Taking suo motu cognisance of media reports on the deaths due to the twin hooch tragedies, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued notices to the Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary V. Irai Anbu and the Director-General of Police Mr. Babu seeking a detailed response within four weeks.
Governor seeks report
Tamil Nadu police have altered the cases relating to the deaths of 22 persons due to the consumption of spurious liquor to that of murder (Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code) against 13 accused persons.
Meanwhile, Governor R.N. Ravi sought a detailed report from Chief Secretary V. Irai Anbu on the twin liquor tragedies in Villupuram and Chengalpattu districts. According to official sources, the Governor wanted to know the cause of deaths, the action taken by the government, and the forensic report of the seized samples (of spurious liquor).
