Tamil Nadu, a southern Indian state, has been gripped by tragedy as at least 31 people have died and over 60 remain hospitalized after consuming tainted liquor, according to a government spokesperson.
Since Wednesday, more than 100 individuals from the Kallakurichi district, situated 250 km (150 miles) from the state capital Chennai, have been admitted to hospitals suffering from symptoms including vomiting, stomach ache, and diarrhea.
According to an official statement, the Tamil Nadu state government has suspended at least 10 officials, including the district’s collector and police chief, following the illicit liquor incident.
Expressing shock and sadness, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin emphasized that action had been taken against those officials who were responsible for preventing such incidents.
The government announced that Govindaraj, 49, known by his first name, was arrested by police for selling illicit liquor. Authorities also confiscated 200 liters of the alcoholic drink mixed with methanol.