Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary Shiv Das Meena submitted a detailed status report to the Madras High Court regarding the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy, following court inquiries into petitions seeking a CBI investigation into the incident.
In the report, Meena opposed the demand for a CBI probe, citing significant progress made by the Crime Investigation Department (CID) in the case. He highlighted that within five days of the tragedy, 21 individuals had been arrested, including retail sellers, transporters, suppliers, and helpers. Approximately 700 liters of contraband were seized, 132 witnesses were examined, and three FIRs were filed.
Meena underscored that the transfer of the case to the CBI should be reserved for rare circumstances where local investigations have failed, emphasizing the extensive actions taken by the state authorities post-tragedy.
Regarding the chemical composition of the methanol involved, Meena differentiated the Kallakurichi incident from previous hooch tragedies in Marakkanam and Chengalpet, noting distinct sources and compositions found in the investigations.
He also detailed the proactive measures taken by the Prohibition and Enforcement Wing following previous hooch tragedies, including detaining offenders, intensifying raids, and legislative amendments to enhance penalties under the Tamil Nadu Prohibition Act.
In response to claims by AIADMK regarding prior complaints about illicit brewing, Meena stated that no such formal complaint was found despite thorough searches of police stations and local authorities. He clarified that attempts to raise the issue in the Tamil Nadu Assembly had not proceeded to discussion due to procedural reasons.
The Kallakurichi hooch tragedy, which resulted in 61 deaths and numerous hospitalizations, occurred in Karunapuram village on June 18, prompting scrutiny and legal actions by state authorities.
