Toll in Kerala toddy tragedy rises to 23

MALAPPURAM - The toll in the hooch tragedy in Kerala’s Malappuram district has risen to 23 with six more deaths reported Tuesday, officials said.

Among the dead were five people from Tamil Nadu and one from Andhra Pradesh. All the victims were labourers.

The people had consumed toddy, which purportedly contained methyl alcohol, from five liquor shops in the Kuttipuram and Wandanoor area of the district, officials said.

According to locals, the toddy - a traditional liquor made from either coconut or palm flowers - was mixed with chemicals and herbs to give an “extra” kick.

Meanwhile, police have asked all those who consumed toddy bought from these shops to report for a medical check up. There are around 20 people who are under observation at the Kozhikode Medical College.

State Excise Minister P.K. Gurudasan has come under severe pressure from the Congress- led opposition to take moral responsibility over the incident and step down .

Leader of Opposition Oommen Chandy and state Congress president Ramesh Chennithala visited Kuttipuram and said that none can escape by putting the blame on the excise officials.

“This serious crime has occurred at shops that are under the licence of the state government. If anyone feels that by blaming the officials for laxity and singling them out alone for this, will not be acceptable. None can get away,” Chandy told reporters here.

Gurudasan told journalists in Thiruvananthapuram that officials have been asked to raid the warehouse and the residence of the licensees and their staff.

“Top excise officials are camping in the area and are giving the necessary directions on what needs to be done. None will be spared,” said Gurudasan.

Police Monday arrested Unnikrishnan and Balakrishnan who hold the licence for these shops as well as their manager running the establishments.