In Tamil Nadu's Kallakurichi district, at least 25 people died and more than 60 were hospitalized after allegedly consuming some local toxic liquor. The authorities are afraid that more deaths may come to light, and that will turn the situation very grim.

Kallakurichi District Collector MS Prasanth personally went to the Government Medical College Hospital to inquire about the condition of those undergoing treatment. Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed deep shock over the deaths and said stringent action had been initiated against those who committed the crime as well as officials responsible for negligence.

Stalin called on the government's commitment to urgent and merciless measures against such crimes, calling for cooperation from the public by reporting immediately any information they may have in regard to the crime. He reassured the public that any actions aimed at hurting the well-being of society would receive measures of stern suppression.

He expressed condolences to the bereaved families and wished the victims a speedy recovery. The governor expressed deep concern over the recurrent deaths due to spurious liquor consumption in the state and underlined the need for comprehensive measures once and for all to tackle illicit alcohol production and consumption effectively.