In two more illicit liquor-related tragedies that occurred in the state in 2023, seventeen individuals perished. The tragedies of last year happened after a 15-year lapse in which there had been no significant instances.
Thus, it was thought that Tamil Nadu had rather successfully combated the problem of clandestine brewing and consumption. The rules have been changed to limit the distribution and supply of methanol, which is used when alcohol that isn’t legal is drunk. However, the deaths in Kallakurichi demonstrate that the issue still exists, even though fortunately there were no fatalities.
Source: Business Standard
Administrative failure is the cause of every hooch disaster, and the state and district administrations need to take accountability for them. A safe and healthful liquor policy can be implemented without much difficulty, unlike prohibition. Liquor is distributed in Tamil Nadu by the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation Limited’s retail locations (Tasmac). Police and administration are quick to detect the sale of cheaper, stronger illicit booze. Methanol supplies can also be monitored.
Such offences are sometimes shielded by the connections between bootleggers and brewers as well as the police and other authorities.Additionally, local political sponsorship is necessary for the near-impossibility of carrying out such evil acts. A few police officers have been suspended or moved, along with Kallakurichi’s district collector. This is the equivalent of shutting the barn door after the horse has run away.
Source: NDTV
It is the fault of the district administration and the police, particularly its prohibition enforcement wing, that they did not stop the selling of hooch and illicit brewing. The oversight of the methanol supply was inadequate. The decision by Tasmac to raise the price of alcohol also made many consumers choose riskier and less expensive solutions.
While some individuals directly involved in the hooch trade have been taken into custody, the MK Stalin administration needs to make sure that those accountable for this catastrophe face consequences. There’s no denying that illegal liquor sales are common in a few areas of the state. That needs to be stopped with some action. The weakest segments of society typically comprise the victims of hooch. In Kallakurichi, entire families have become orphans, and no amount of solatium can make up for the loss of a family member and the pain experienced.
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