June 23rd 2024.
As the sun beats down on the village of Karunapuram in the Kallakurichi district of India, a man stands next to piles of wood, arranged for the mass cremation of those who have tragically lost their lives. 54 people, to be exact, have died after consuming illegally brewed liquor, which was laced with a deadly dose of methanol. And unfortunately, there are fears that the death toll may continue to rise.
This heartbreaking incident has rocked the small community, leaving hundreds of people sick and almost 200 others treated for severe symptoms such as vomiting, stomach aches, and diarrhea. As the village mourns the loss of so many lives, many questions arise. How did this happen? Why were people drinking this toxic alcohol? And how did they get their hands on it?
The locally brewed alcohol, usually a cheap alternative for those who cannot afford branded spirits, was unknowingly spiked with methanol, causing blindness, liver damage, and ultimately, death. Within hours of consuming the poison, 37 people had already passed away, while others were left blind and in critical condition.
This is not the first time that such a tragedy has occurred in India. Every year, hundreds of people lose their lives to cheap, illegally sold alcohol. But this incident in Karunapuram is the worst in recent years. The impoverished community is known for turning to the black market for alcohol, as it is significantly cheaper than purchasing from legitimate shops.
In this village, it is common for men to turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism for their struggles, while the women take on the responsibility of running the household. According to local councillor Palraj, the liquor is often sold in plastic bags for just 60 rupees, making it easily accessible and affordable for the laborers in the district. It is a sad reality that for many, consuming this toxic alcohol is almost like a morning ritual, before they begin their day's work.
In the aftermath of this tragedy, seven people have been arrested in connection with the sale of the poisonous alcohol. However, this is not the first time that such incidents have occurred, and unfortunately, it may not be the last. Despite public demands for stricter regulations and penalties for those involved in the production and sale of illegal alcohol, the deaths continue.
The state government has promised to take action against those responsible for producing the methanol-laced alcohol. Selling and consuming liquor is prohibited in many parts of India, leading to a thriving black market for such products. As seen in previous incidents in other states, such as Bihar and Gujarat, the deaths of innocent people only add to the pressure on the government to take stricter measures against the production and sale of illegal alcohol.
But for the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives in this tragedy, it is already too late. The heartbreak and devastation in the Kallakurichi district are unfathomable, and the community will never be the same. As the village continues to mourn and come to terms with the loss of so many lives, one can only hope that this incident will serve as a wake-up call for the government to take stricter action against the production and sale of illegal alcohol.
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