NHRC Issues Notices Over Tamil Nadu Hooch Tragedy, Seeks Report in a Week

The NHRC has issued notices to Tamil Nadu's government and police, demanding a report within a week on the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy that has claimed 58 lives and hospitalized 219. The tragedy, labeled a serious violation of the right to life, involved the consumption of spurious liquor.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Tuesday announced that it has formally issued notices to the Tamil Nadu government and police chief in connection with the recent hooch tragedy in Kallakurichi district, requesting a detailed report within one week.

The tragic incident has so far resulted in 58 fatalities, as confirmed by authorities on Monday, with 219 additional individuals currently receiving medical treatment in various hospitals.

According to an official NHRC statement, the tragedy has drawn the commission's attention due to media reports that the deaths resulted from the consumption of spurious liquor. It highlights a grave concern over the potential violation of the victims' right to life.

A significant number of those affected are women, and some are reportedly in critical condition. The alleged circumstances, if validated, spotlight a severe breach of human rights.

States have exclusive authority to control the production, manufacture, possession, transport, purchase, and sale of intoxicating liquors. Consequently, the NHRC has directed the chief secretary and the director general of police of Tamil Nadu to provide a comprehensive report within a seven-day timeframe.