The Madras High Court has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to take over the inquiry into the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy that resulted in the deaths of 67 individuals from consuming illicit liquor. The decision was announced by a division bench consisting of Justices D Krishnakumar and P B Balaji, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation by the central agency.
The order came following a petition by AIADMK Legal Wing Secretary I S Inbadurai, K Balu, President of the Advocates Forum for Social Justice, and another advocate, all of whom advocated for a CBI probe into the tragic incident. The petition specifically addressed the sale of illicit arrack in the Kallakurichi district on June 19, which led to the fatal incident.
The bench has instructed the CB-CID, Villupuram, to transfer all files related to the three cases registered in connection with this tragedy to the CBI within two weeks. Additionally, the state police have been ordered to provide full cooperation to the CBI as they undertake the investigation.
