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Kerala hooch tragedy toll 25

The death toll in Sunday's twin hooch tragedies in Kollam district of Kerala has risen to 25, even as many face the spectre of losing their eyesight.

According to Health Minister V C Kabeer, 18 persons have lost their eyesight. More than 70 persons, who consumed the poisonous brew from two outlets at Kalluvathukkal and Pallickkal near Kottarakkara, have complained of diminishing vision.

The liquor served to them at the two joints was mixed with methyl alcohol.

A senior doctor at the Medical College said that the patients, who complained of blurred vision, have been given antidotes to stop the metabolism and prevent side effects like blindness.

Doctors at the Medical College are battling to save the lives of four persons, who were brought to the hospital in a critical condition. Most of the 125 persons undergoing treatment at the MCH passed the critical stage, according to hospital sources.

The tragedy at Kalluvathukkal claimed 16 lives and that at Pallickkal nine.

The Kerala State Human Rights Commission has ordered registration of a case against Excise Commissioner V R Rajeevan and Kollam district superintendent of police Manoj Abraham for their failure to check the flow of illicit liquor.

The action was on the basis of a public interest petition filed by human rights activist Jomon Puthenpurackkal, who alleged dereliction of duty by the two senior officials.

Commission member Dr S Balram told rediff.com that he was waiting for confirmation of reports about the move by the government to order a judicial inquiry, to call for the statements of the two officials.

He said that the commission had earlier intervened against spurious liquor and the excise commissioner had then maintained that the menace was under check.

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