NHRC notice to the Tamil Nadu government over the reported several deaths in hooch tragedy in coastal areas

New Delhi, 16th May, 2023

The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, India has taken suo motu cognizance of the media reports that many people have died after allegedly consuming spurious liquor in Villupuram and Chengalpattu districts of Tamil Nadu since 12th May, 2023 and several others area hospitalized.

The Commission has observed that the contents of the media reports, if true, amount to violation of right to life of the people. Apparently, the state government failed to prohibit sale and consumption of illicit/spurious liquor. Accordingly, it has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, Tamil Nadu calling for a detailed report in the matter within four weeks. It should include the status of the FIR registered by the police, medical treatment of the victims and compensation if any, granted to the aggrieved families. The Commission would also like to know about the action taken against the delinquent officers, responsible for the tragedy.

According to the media reports, the illicit liquor sold as Arrack, was a cocktail of methanol, chemicals and water and consumed by the mostly fisherman from the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu.

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