Kallakurichi hooch tragedy report blames police and village bodies

The Justice Gokuldas Commission has released its final report regarding the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy, which resulted in approximately 70 deaths in June 2024 due to methanol-contaminated illicit liquor. The 484-page report, tabled in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, identifies a lack of coordination between government departments and an alleged nexus between police officials and illicit liquor sellers as key contributing factors.

The investigation found that more than 231 people consumed the toxic brew, which was mixed with methanol. The commission noted that while methanol is not a narcotic, it was misused by traders for commercial purposes. The report highlighted that continuous monitoring by Prohibition and Excise officials could have prevented the illegal possession and sale of the substance.

Furthermore, the commission pointed to the involvement of village welfare committees in the alleged auctioning of contracts for selling illicit liquor. It also noted that economic factors, including a lack of industrial development and job opportunities in the region, led some residents to turn to alcohol. The report recommends stricter enforcement of the Prohibition Act and additional assistance for affected families beyond the initial compensation provided.