The Tragic Consequences of Cheap, Toxic Alcohol in Tamil Nadu: A Story of Loss and Suffering

The southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu recently reported that 53 people died after consuming alcohol mixed with industrial methanol, a poisonous substance. The incident took place on June 18 and resulted in over 100 individuals being hospitalized. Unfortunately, many of the victims were in critical condition and could not be saved by medical professionals.

On June 22, MS Prasanth, a senior official in Kallakurichi district of Tamil Nadu state, confirmed that a total of 53 people had died as a result of the poisoning, with 7 individuals involved in the case being detained by authorities. Despite reports from Indian media outlets claiming that 56 deaths had occurred, no official statement has been made by the country’s government regarding this figure. One local councilor named Palraj explained that many impoverished workers in Kallakurichi district regularly purchase inexpensive alcohol for as little as 60 rupees ($0.70) per bag to consume before heading to work.

It is common practice for distilleries in India to mix methanol with alcohol in order to boost its potency. Methanol, a toxic byproduct of wood distillation, can cause blindness, liver damage, and even death when ingested. This is not the first time India has experienced such a calamity due to cheap alcohol obtained from illicit distilleries. In Bihar state last year, 27 individuals lost their lives due to alcohol poisoning, while in Gujarat state succumbed to a similar incident in 2022. The prevalence of illegal alcohol production and distribution remains a pressing issue that continues to claim lives across the nation.