Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) chief Kamal Haasan visited the victims of the Kallakurichi illicit liquor tragedy on Sunday, expressing concerns over their excessive drinking habits. The actor-turned-politician remarked that the victims had been ‘careless’ with their alcohol consumption. “These victims need to understand they have exceeded their limits and have been careless. They need to be careful and take care of their health,” Haasan told ANI.
Haasan urged the government to establish psychiatric centers to counsel individuals struggling with alcohol consumption. “It should be occasional, social drinking if at all. Exceeding limits in any form, be it sugar or anything else, is harmful,” he added. He also called for rehabilitation provisions for those who habitually overconsume alcohol. “My request to the government is to create psychiatric centers which will counsel them,” he reiterated.
#WATCH | Tamil Nadu: After meeting the Hooch tragedy victims, MNM party chief Kamal Haasan says, “…These victims will have to understand they have exceeded their limit and they have been careless. They have to be careful. They have to take care of their health. My request to… pic.twitter.com/qrci9g8OFs
— ANI (@ANI) June 23, 2024
The Kallakurichi hooch case has resulted in at least 53 deaths and 193 hospitalizations, according to Tamil Nadu state officials. The incident has sparked significant backlash against the ruling DMK, prompting the Tamil Nadu Assembly to discuss the issue of illicit liquor supply in the state. Leader of Opposition Edapaddi Palanisamy criticized the assembly’s lack of action, calling it a ‘murder of democracy.’
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In response to the tragedy, Tamil Nadu police have intensified their crackdown on illicit liquor across the state, seizing and destroying at least 250 liters of hooch in Tiruchirapalli district. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin announced on Friday that the government would cover education and hostel expenses for children who lost their parents in the incident.
The Tamil Nadu government has also ordered a judicial inquiry into the tragedy, led by retired Madras High Court judge Justice B Gokuldas, who is expected to submit a report within three months. Currently, seven people have been arrested in connection with the case, which is being investigated by the CB-CID branch of the Tamil Nadu police, according to the District Collector.
