Tragic Methanol-Laced Alcohol Deaths Rock Tamil Nadu, India: Over 34 Lives Lost

At least 34 people have tragically lost their lives in Tamil Nadu, India, after consuming illegally brewed alcohol laced with methanol. The incident occurred in the Kallakurichi district, where over 100 individuals fell ill with symptoms including vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea, prompting a swift response from local authorities and hospitals.

Officials indicated that the death toll could potentially rise as some patients remain in critical condition.

In response to the crisis, the state government swiftly took action, suspending ten officials, including the district’s collector and police chief.

Authorities have arrested one individual for selling the illicit liquor and seized a significant quantity of the methanol-mixed alcoholic drink. Ambulances, medical personnel, and specialists were mobilized to the district to provide immediate medical attention and support.

Illegal alcohol, often referred to as hooch, is a persistent issue in India, particularly among poorer communities unable to afford licensed brands. Such illicit liquor is commonly adulterated with substances like methanol to enhance its potency despite the severe health risks posed by methanol ingestion, which can lead to blindness, liver damage, and death.

This incident in Tamil Nadu is sadly not isolated; similar tragedies have occurred in various parts of India in recent years due to the consumption of tainted liquor. In 2022, more than 30 deaths were reported in Bihar and at least 28 in Gujarat due to similar incidents involving illicit alcohol. In 2020, Punjab witnessed a devastating toll of at least 120 lives lost under similar circumstances.

The illegal alcohol trade remains lucrative, as bootleggers evade taxes and sell large volumes of their product at lower prices to vulnerable populations. Despite periodic crackdowns and efforts to regulate the sale of alcohol, such incidents highlight ongoing challenges in effectively curbing the illegal alcohol trade and protecting public health in India.