The District official MS Prasanth said the number of patients in critical condition kept changing, suggesting that the death toll could rise.
No fewer than 36 people have died, while more than 60 others are currently receiving medical treatment after consuming tainted liquor in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
It was gathered that since Wednesday, over 100 people in the Kallakurichi district, located 150 miles by road from the state capital Chennai, have required hospital treatment due to symptoms such as vomiting, stomach ache, and diarrhea.
A state government spokesperson confirmed the incident on Thursday, stating that the deaths were caused by consuming alcohol tainted with methanol.
"I was shocked and saddened to hear the news ... Action has also been taken against the officials who failed to prevent it," Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin said in a post on X.
The District official MS Prasanth said the number of patients in critical condition kept changing, suggesting that the death toll could rise.
The statement confirmed that the government had suspended at least 10 officials, including the district’s collector and police chief.
However, the police have arrested one person for selling illicit liquor and seized 200 litres (7,039fl oz) of the methanol-mixed alcoholic drink.
The Tamil Nadu government said it was also taking steps to identify people involved in the production of methanol – a toxic chemical normally used for industrial purposes.