By Matters India Reporter
New Delhi, June 24, 2024: The Catholic bishops have called for stringent action against production and distribution of illegal liquor in the country after several deaths from consumption of tainted liquor were reported from the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families during this heartbreaking time,” said a statement from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, mourning the deaths in Kallakuruchi, 245 km southwest of Chennai, the state capital.
Deaths from the liquor tragedy started from June 20 and by June 24, the toll rose to 57.
On the same day, at least 156 people were receiving treatment in multiple government hospitals.
So far, 32 persons have died at the Government Kallakurichi Medical College and Hospital; 18 at the Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College and Hospital in Salem; four at the Government Villupuram Medical College and Hospital; and three at the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) in Puducherry.
“The widespread sale of such toxic substances, often adulterated with methanol to increase potency, poses a grave threat to public health and safety,” says the CBCI June 21 statement.
The illicit trade, it adds, not only endangers lives but also perpetuates a cycle of poverty and exploitation, particularly affecting vulnerable communities and daily-wage workers.
The Kallakuruchi tragedy “highlights the urgent need for stringent enforcement and robust measures to eradicate the menace of illicit liquor,” the bishops said and urged the governments to implement comprehensive strategies to prevent such incidents in the future.
“It is imperative that the government acts swiftly and decisively to protect the health and well-being of its citizens,” the bishops asserted.
They also urged India’s 174 dioceses to initiate social awareness programs and campaigns against illegal liquor in areas.
“We also urge all citizens to abstain from consuming such dangerous substances and to actively help others in their communities to do the same. Together, we can combat this grave issue and safeguard the lives of our fellow citizens,” said the statement issued by Father Robinson Rodrigues, CBCI public relations officer.
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin, while condoling the deaths, said the state government will take care of the educational expenses and hostel fees of the children who have lost either one or both parents in the hooch tragedy.
The Tamil Nadu police have started a probe under S P Shantharam. The Kallakurichi Collector said seven people have been arrested so far.
Liquor Mafia involves politicians, government officials, police and criminals. This must be tackled at various levels. Has any religion in India played a vital role in awareness-building and appropriate livelihood activities for the rural poor people who often become victims of “poisonous liquor deaths”?