Chennai: The death toll in the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy has increased to 53, officials reported on Saturday.

Kallakurichi District Collector MS Prasanth stated that out of the 193 patients who consumed illicit liquor, 140 are currently stable. "Of the 193 people admitted to the hospital, 140 are safe, though some are still on ventilators. So far, 53 people have passed away," he said.

Seven arrests have been made in connection with the case, which has been handed over to the CBI CID branch of the Tamil Nadu Police. The patients are receiving top-notch medical care, with 56 doctors brought in from various medical colleges. Many patients with respiratory issues have recovered, according to the Collector.

In response to the tragedy, authorities seized and disposed of 250 litres of illicit liquor in Tiruchirapalli district. This action, initiated by District Collector Pradeep Kumar and Superintendent of Police Varun Kumar, was based on an intelligence tip-off. Pradeep Kumar also educated locals on the dangers of illicit liquor and had them pledge to abstain from consuming it.

Addressing the Tamil Nadu Assembly, Chief Minister MK Stalin announced that the state government would cover the education and hostel expenses of children who have lost one or both parents in the Kallakurichi tragedy.

The Tamil Nadu Assembly saw turmoil as AIADMK members demanded a discussion on the incident.

Kallakurichi is a district in Tamil Nadu, approximately 250 km from Chennai.

With ANI inputs