One Year Since Kallakurichi Hooch Tragedy: Grief, Memories, and a Cry for Justice

Karunapuram, Tamil Nadu — On the first anniversary of the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy, which claimed 38 lives in June 2024, grieving families came together on Thursday to remember their lost loved ones with tears, candles, and calls for justice.

The heart-wrenching memorial took place in the very neighborhood most affected by the illicit liquor poisoning. Families of the deceased lit candles and garlanded their loved ones’ portraits, many breaking down in sorrow as memories of that horrific night resurfaced.

"Justice Is Still a Far Cry," Say Families

For families like that of G Praveen (28), who died in the tragedy, the pain is still raw.

“It has been a year, but justice is still a far cry,” said his sister G Preetha. “We want the government to not only punish those responsible but also provide long-term support through de-addiction and rehabilitation programmes. Many men in our area are still caught in the cycle of alcohol addiction.”

The victims were largely daily-wage workers, making their deaths not just personal tragedies, but also a community-level crisis that highlighted systemic issues in alcohol regulation and public health.

Memorial Event Organized by Local Leaders

The remembrance ceremony was organized by local DMK functionaries, with participation from:

• Karunapuram residents

• Local councillors

• Community activists

• MLA Vasantham Karthikeyan

A makeshift memorial was erected in the area to honor the victims, and lunch was served to attendees—a small gesture of solidarity for the grieving families.

A Tragedy That Shook Tamil Nadu

The Kallakurichi hooch tragedy made headlines across Tamil Nadu in June 2024 when dozens of people fell ill after consuming spurious liquor. Despite emergency interventions, 38 people lost their lives, with many others hospitalized or left with long-term health issues.

The incident sparked statewide outrage, prompting questions about:

• The availability of illicit liquor

• Law enforcement lapses

• The lack of awareness and access to de-addiction services in economically vulnerable communities

Yet, one year on, families say there has been little progress in delivering justice or implementing meaningful rehabilitation programs.

A Call for Accountability and Reform

Beyond emotional mourning, this anniversary served as a powerful platform to demand accountability from authorities. Residents and activists called for:

• Strict action against those involved in hooch distribution

• Permanent alcohol de-addiction centers in rural districts

• Economic rehabilitation for affected families who lost breadwinners

• Public awareness campaigns about the dangers of illicit liquor

Final Thoughts

One year after the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy, the pain of loss still lingers in Karunapuram. As candles were lit and tears were shed, the message was loud and clear: remembering the victims is not enough—justice and long-term community support are urgently needed.