Hooch tragedy toll mounts to 83

With the death of 17 more people on Tuesday, the toll in the hooch tragedy that struck Karnataka and the Krishnagiri district on the Tamil Nadu border has climbed to 83.

Nine more persons died on Tuesday in Karnataka, taking the toll there to 58, while eight more lost their lives in Krishnagiri, taking the toll there to 25.

Of the 58 persons who have died in Karnataka, 19 were from Kolar.

In Karnataka, two more persons were arrested in connection with the tragedy, taking the total number of arrests to four.

The State Human Rights Commission visited the affected areas of D J Halli and held a meeting with the Excise Commissioner, Chikkamath.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) B K Singh told PTI in Krishnagiri that the police had succeeded in tracing the whereabouts of the main accused Sounder Rajan and were hopeful of nabbing him soon.

In Krishnagiri, Additional DGP (prohibition) G Tilakavati told PTI that six teams have been formed to nab the hooch sellers, 'since the accused are now in Karnataka'.

She said more policemen from Salem, Namakkal, Dharmapuri have been deployed at Dengenikottai and Hosur to unearth the trade in illicit arrack.