The NHRC has taken note of reports of deaths and hospitalizations due to spurious liquor (File)
New Delhi:
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sent a notice to the Tamil Nadu government and the state police chief in connection with the death of several people allegedly after consuming spurious liquor in Villupuram and Chengalpattu districts. Officials gave this information on Tuesday.
Apparently, the state government has failed to curb the sale and consumption of illicit or spurious liquor, the commission said in a statement.
The NHRC has taken suo motu cognizance of media reports that since May 12, several people have died and many others are hospitalized in Villupuram and Chengalpattu districts of Tamil Nadu after allegedly consuming spurious liquor.
State officials have said that at least 14 people have died and more than 50 are hospitalized after consuming spurious liquor.
The Commission has observed that the contents of the media reports, if true, are violative of the right to life of the people. Accordingly, it has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, Tamil Nadu, seeking a detailed report within four weeks.
This should include the status of the FIR lodged by the police, the medical treatment of the victims and the compensation paid, if any, to the families of the victims. The Commission would also like to know about the action taken against the erring officials responsible for the tragedy.
According to media reports, the illicit liquor sold as “arak” was a cocktail of methanol, chemicals and water and was mostly consumed by fishermen in the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu, the statement said.
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