Dozens of deaths after consuming contaminated alcohol – DW – 20.06.2024

Local authorities in India’s southern state of Tamil Nadu said on Thursday that at least 34 people had died after consuming contaminated alcohol.

More than 60 people were still being treated for vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea.

What the authorities say

According to local authorities, more than 100 people had to be admitted to hospitals in Kallakurichi district, 250 kilometers from the state capital Chennai, on Wednesday.

Police arrested four people for selling the illegal alcohol and confiscated 200 liters of the alcoholic beverage laced with methanol, the local government said.

“I was shocked and saddened to hear the news…” Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. “Action has also been taken against the officials who could not prevent it.”

“Such crimes that destroy society are suppressed with an iron fist,” he added.

Stalin announced that action would be taken against the officials for their failure to prevent the incident. He later announced “financial support” for the families of the victims.

Illegal alcohol in India

The production of illegal alcohol plays a significant role in India and deaths from these illegally brewed beverages are common.

Illegal dealers have been known to add various chemicals, including pesticides and battery acid, to their products to increase the potency of the alcohol.

According to figures from the private sector initiative Transnational Alliance to Combat Illicit Trade (TRACIT), hundreds of people die each year from consuming illegal alcohol.

In a 2023 report, the organization stated that consuming these toxic alcohols causes serious injuries, including blindness and death. Negative health effects include liver damage, kidney failure and cancer.

In 2020, around 947 deaths were reported due to consumption of illicit alcohol, while in 2021, 782 deaths were recorded, TRACIT said, citing figures from India’s Home Ministry.

Illegal alcohol sales are popular in India because their low prices make them affordable even for the underprivileged. The ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol in several parts of the country further encourages black market sales.

In its 2023 report, TRACIT cited consumer awareness, sales bans or restrictions, affordability, and weak regulation and enforcement as “enablers of illicit alcohol” in India.

Reuters, AFP and AP contributed to this report.

Edited by: Rana Taha