In a tragic incident in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, at least 54 people have lost their lives and dozens remain hospitalized after consuming alcohol laced with methanol. The incident, which took place in the district of Kallakurichi, has raised concerns about the widespread availability of illegal alcohol and the dangers it poses to public health.

Since Wednesday, nearly 200 individuals have been treated in hospitals across the district, with over 100 still under medical care. The victims, comprising 48 men and 6 women, succumbed to the lethal effects of the tainted liquor, while others have been experiencing symptoms such as vomiting, stomach aches, and diarrhea.

Illegal alcohol continues to be a popular choice due to its affordability, leading to unfortunate incidents where unscrupulous vendors add methanol to enhance the potency of their beverage. However, methanol, an extremely toxic chemical used in industries, can cause severe harm, including blindness, liver damage, and even death, even in small quantities.

Authorities are taking action in response to the tragedy. At least seven people have been arrested so far, and 200 liters (6,763 fluid ounces) of the illicit alcohol have been seized. Additionally, the government of Tamil Nadu has taken disciplinary action against 10 officials responsible for managing illegal alcohol and failing to prevent such incidents.

Showing commitment to support the victims and their families, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has announced financial compensation from the government. A former High Court judge has also been appointed to investigate the incident.

The government's response comes amid criticism from state ministers and opposition leaders, who have pointed out the failure to prevent mass poisonings caused by the consumption of adulterated alcohol. To gain a firsthand understanding of the situation, state ministers and opposition leaders have visited the affected district to meet with victims and their families.

A mass cremation has already taken place, where the deceased were laid to rest alongside each other by their grieving families. It is important to note that this is not the first incident of its kind in Tamil Nadu. A nearby district experienced a similar tragedy, resulting in over a dozen deaths last year. Moreover, in 2020, the northern state of Punjab witnessed the deaths of more than 120 people due to tainted liquor, while eastern India's Bihar state and Gujarat state in the west reported 30 and 28 deaths respectively in incidents related to unauthorized alcohol sales.

The recent tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the dangers associated with the consumption of adulterated alcohol. It underscores the urgent need for stricter regulations and enhanced efforts to combat the illicit alcohol trade in order to protect public health and prevent future casualties.