At least 34 individuals have lost their lives, with many others currently hospitalized, after consuming illegally produced alcohol in Tamil Nadu, southern India, according to local authorities.

A state representative confirmed on Thursday that the deaths resulted from drinking alcohol contaminated with methanol.

“Such societal-destroying crimes will be met with a strong response,” stated the state's chief minister MK Stalin on social media platform X.

The tragic event took place in Kallakurichi district, leading to more than 100 individuals experiencing symptoms like vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea, which prompted hospital admissions and a police inquiry.

District official MS Prasanth noted that the number of patients in critical condition was fluctuating, indicating that the death count might climb further.

The state authorities announced the suspension of at least 10 officials, including the district collector and police chief, due to the incident.

Law enforcement agencies arrested an individual for distributing the illegal alcohol and confiscated 200 liters (7,039fl oz) of the methanol-laced drink, as revealed by the government.

Ambulances, doctors, and specialists from nearby regions were sent to manage the situation in the affected district.

Spiked

India frequently encounters deaths from consuming illegally brewed alcohol, known as hooch, primarily because the impoverished population cannot afford licensed alcoholic brands available in government-operated stores.

These unlicensed beverages are typically adulterated with toxic substances like methanol, a chemical used in products ranging from paint thinners to fuel, to increase their strength.

Methanol ingestion is dangerous and can result in blindness, liver damage, and death.

The illicit liquor trade is exceedingly profitable since bootleggers evade taxes, selling large amounts of their product at low prices to the poor.

In 2022, over 30 people perished in Bihar, eastern India, and at least 28 died in Gujarat, western India, due to consuming unauthorized toxic alcohol.

Furthermore, in 2020, the northern state of Punjab witnessed at least 120 deaths from drinking contaminated liquor.