The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on Thursday paid respects to the people who died after consuming spurious liquor in Kallakurichi, the deceased in the Kuwait blaze and former legislators who passed away.
The brief session commenced with Speaker M Appavu making obituary references to the departed and the members of the House observed a minute’s silence as a mark of respect.
Expressing shock over the deaths in the illicit liquor consumption case, the Speaker said the state government was taking steps to contain the sale of spurious liquor and following the incident, Chief Minister MK Stalin initiated steps to provide medical treatment to the affected.
At least 20 more people died on Thursday, taking the death toll from the incident of consuming spurious liquor in Kallakurichi district to 33. The incident which sent shock waves across the state has raised questions on how brewing and sale of illicit liquor went unchecked by the district administration.
Police said initial probe revealed that methanol was mixed with the spurious liquor and about 900 litres of illicit liquor has been recovered since Wednesday.
Police have so far arrested 10 people, including two women, while a hunt has been launched to nab the culprit who sold Methanol.
Under attack from the Opposition over the deaths due to spurious liquor especially just a day before the Tamil Nadu assembly is set to be convened, the government swung into control the damage by transferring district collector Sravan Kumar Jatavath and place superintendent of police Samay Singh Meena under suspension.
Appavu, who read out the condolence resolution, expressed shock and anguish over the death of innocent lives in the Kuwait blaze, especially seven from Tamil Nadu, and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
The House paid tributes to former lawmakers including N Pugazhendhi, who had represented the Vikravandi assembly constituency, and former MLA C Velayuthan, among others, who had passed away.
The House was later adjourned for the day.
Discussions on the demand for grants for various government departments will commence on Friday and the session will conclude on June 29 ahead of the Vikravandi by-poll.
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