In a significant development, the Madras High Court has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to conduct a probe into the tragic illicit liquor tragedy in Villupuram district, Tamil Nadu, which claimed the lives of 68 individuals. The court’s decision has come as a setback for the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government, which had previously transferred the case to the Crime Branch of the Tamil Nadu Police’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and opposed a CBI investigation.
The tragedy, which occurred on November 14, involved the consumption of spurious liquor that was laced with methanol, a toxic substance. In response to the incident, the state government had arrested 24 individuals, suspended key police officers, including the Superintendent of Police (SP), and transferred the district Collector. It was also claimed that the source of the methanol had been traced, and that investigations were underway to file a chargesheet once toxicology reports were received.
However, opposition parties, including the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), approached the court seeking a CBI investigation, citing concerns over the adequacy of the state government’s handling of the case. They argued that the local investigation was insufficient and pointed out that there were larger inter-state implications, particularly regarding the source of methanol, which was allegedly traced to neighboring states.
The petitioners also accused the local police and enforcement agencies of being complicit in the illicit liquor trade, further emphasizing the need for an independent probe by the CBI.
AIADMK’s legal wing secretary, Inbadurai, criticized the state government, calling the order an indicator of “poor governance” in Tamil Nadu. PMK leader Balu, while supporting the CBI investigation, stated that the DMK government should have voluntarily agreed to the probe, and expressed hope that the state would not appeal the order in the Supreme Court.
On the other hand, DMK spokesperson Constantine expressed concerns about potential delays in justice due to the CBI investigation, although he refrained from commenting further on the court’s decision.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, and families of the victims are demanding justice. The court’s order to hand over the case to the CBI marks an important step towards ensuring accountability and transparency in the investigation of this tragic incident.
As the investigation unfolds, questions regarding the role of bootleggers, local police, and enforcement agencies remain at the forefront of public discourse, with many hoping that the CBI’s involvement will bring those responsible to justice.
Sources By Agencies
