In Tamil Nadu, India, an unfortunate incident involving illegally produced alcohol has resulted in at least 57 fatalities and dozens of hospitalizations. The tragedy, which started around June 19, 2024, in the Kallakurichi district, involved liquor contaminated with methanol, a highly toxic chemical. Currently, more than 150 individuals are undergoing treatment in different hospitals, with the death toll potentially increasing as some remain in critical condition.
M.K. Stalin, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, confirmed the fatalities and announced the arrest of those held responsible. “Such crimes that ruin the society will be suppressed with an iron fist,” Stalin stated in a post on the social media platform X. Additionally, the government has acted against officials who were negligent in preventing the distribution of this illicit liquor.
The local community has been gripped with concern due to the sudden outbreak of methanol poisoning. To manage the crisis, ambulances and medical specialists have been mobilized. Government officials have reported that many victims exhibited symptoms such as vomiting, dizziness, headaches, and stomach pain, which prompted an immediate police investigation.
Deaths from illegally produced alcohol are not uncommon in India, particularly among the poor who cannot afford licensed brands sold at government-operated stores. The illegal liquor market thrives because producers bypass taxes and sell their products at a reduced price, often spiking its potency with hazardous chemicals like methanol. Methanol, used in products like paint thinners and fuel, can cause blindness, liver damage, and death when ingested.
In the wake of this tragedy, the Tamil Nadu police have ramped up their efforts against the illicit liquor mafia. Sylendra Babu, the state’s Director General of Police (DGP), has issued orders to limit the sale of methanol and other chemicals used in the production of illegal alcohol throughout the state. Numerous raids have been carried out in various districts, leading to the arrest of several individuals involved in the illicit liquor trade.
Such incidents have a historical precedent. In 2022, over 30 people lost their lives in Bihar after consuming contaminated liquor, while another 28 succumbed in Gujarat within the same year. In 2020, a significant event in Punjab resulted in at least 120 deaths from alcohol laced with methanol. These recurring tragedies highlight the dangers of the illicit liquor industry in India, where regulatory measures often fall short.
The root causes driving this black market are deeply entrenched in social and economic factors. The high cost of legally available alcohol and widespread poverty force many to opt for cheaper, unregulated alternatives. Attempts to ban these products in some Indian states have only intensified the problem, as the demand for alcohol persists despite legal prohibitions. As a result, illegal production and distribution networks continue to thrive, posing significant public health risks.
