Toll in Kerala hooch tragedy rises to 25

Two more persons died today, taking the toll in the twin hooch tragedy in Malappuram district of Kerala to 25, police said.

The two were identified as Velayudhan of Kolathur in the district and Kanakkayi of Palakkad district, police said.

Kozhikode Medical College Hospital sources said 21 people were still undergoing treatment in the hospital after the incident occurred on Monday at Kuttipuram and Vandoor. The condition of two of them was serious.

Excise commissioner S Subbaiah, who visited the areas immediately after the tragedy, said a preliminary report would be submitted to government on September 13.

Preliminary assessment based on analyses of samples from the affected areas showed that toddy was mixed with methyl alcohol, official sources said.

Kerala government had yesterday announced a judicial probe by a sitting high court judge into the tragedy.

The government had also announced a solatium of Rs5 lakh each to the next of kin of those who died and Rs4 lakh each for those who lost their eyesight.

The government had suspended deputy commissioner and assistant commissioner of excise in Malappuram district after the incident.

Chief minister VS Achuthanandan had stated yesterday that culprits would be booked on murder charges and that authorities had been asked to take stringent action against liquor adulteration.

Eight people, including the key accused Dhravyan, were arrested so far in connection with the tragedy.