NHRC takes suo motu cognizance of the reported death of more than 47 people after consuming spurious liquor in Kallakurichi district, Tamil Nadu

Press release

National Human Rights Commission

New Delhi: 25th June, 2024

NHRC takes suo motu cognizance of the reported death of more than 47 people after consuming spurious liquor in Kallakurichi district, Tamil Nadu

The Commission observes States have exclusive power to regulate the production, manufacture, possession, transport, purchase and sale of intoxicating liquors

Issues notices to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, Government of Tamil Nadu calling for a detailed report within one week

The report to include the status of the FIR, action against the delinquent officers, treatment of the victims and the status of disbursement of compensation to the aggrieved families

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that more than 47 people lost life after consuming spurious liquor in Kallakurichi district, Tamil Nadu. Reportedly, a large number of people including women are under treatment in hospitals some of whom are in critical condition.

The Commission has observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of the right to life of the victims. The States have exclusive power to regulate the production, manufacture, possession, transport, purchase, and sale of intoxicating liquors. Accordingly, it has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, Government of Tamil Nadu calling for a detailed report within one week.

The report is expected to include the status of the FIR, the medical treatment of the victims who are hospitalized and the status of disbursement of the compensation to the aggrieved families by the State Government. The Commission would also like to know about the action taken against the delinquent officers, responsible for the tragedy.

According to the media report, carried on 21st June, 2024, the victims were being treated in various government hospitals in Kallakurichi, Salem, Villpuram and JIPMER in Puducherry. Reportedly, the State Government has ordered a thorough investigation in the matter.

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