Tamil Nadu Initiates Rehabilitation Scheme for Repentant Bootleggers

Tamil Nadu's Prohibition and Excise Minister, S Muthusamy, announced that bootleggers who show remorse and wish to change their ways will be rehabilitated after serving their prison terms. This statement follows the tragic hooch incident in Kallakurichi. Additional measures include skill training, financial subsidies, and enhanced vigilance to prevent illicit activities.

S Muthusamy, Tamil Nadu's Prohibition and Excise Minister, informed the legislative assembly on Friday about a new initiative to rehabilitate bootleggers showing remorse after serving their prison terms.

This move follows the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy, which claimed 48 lives and hospitalized over 100. Muthusamy emphasized the need to prevent recidivism through rehabilitation, offering Rs 50,000 subsidies and skill-training programs.

Enhanced vigilance, including Automatic Number Plate Recognition Cameras at prohibition check posts, aims to curb the smuggling of illicit substances, he added. The government has allocated Rs 5 crore for this rehabilitation initiative.