Chinnadurai, key suspect in the death of 47 due to spurious liquor in Kallakurichi, has been arrested by police in Cuddalore. Other key accused, Kannukkutti was arrested 10 days ago for selling illicit liquor, was tragically released on station bail.
Kallakurichi: In a significant development in the Kallakurichi spurious liquor tragedy that claimed 47 lives, Chinnadurai, the main accused, has been arrested by a dedicated police unit. Chinnadurai was apprehended while hiding in Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu. The arrest phase saw the prior capture and imprisonment of suspects Kannukkutti, Damodaran, and Vijaya.
Although Kannukkutti alias Govindarajan was arrested ten days ago, he was released on station bail despite being involved in the sale of illicit liquor. Previously detained under the Goondas Act for related offenses, Govindarajan's re-arrest highlights his ongoing involvement in illegal liquor trade, marking the first instance where he is directly implicated in resulting fatalities.
As the investigation unfolds, Govindarajan, his wife Vijaya, and an accomplice named Thamodhiran have been detained. The authorities suspect that this network extended beyond these arrests, with Vidyur Raja and Chinnadurai allegedly responsible for sourcing and distributing the lethal liquor from villages on Kalvarayan Hills.
Police insights reveal that the network strategically employed seniors, physically challenged individuals, and women to evade strict law enforcement scrutiny. Among those arrested, Thamodhiran's physical challenges and Govindharaj's health condition were noted, potentially as factors limiting harsh legal consequences.
Moreover, the police disclosed challenges faced with police personnel who were recently transferred here during parliamentary elections, complicating oversight. Yet, proactive actions by the PEWS team led to the destruction of 80,000 litres of arrack over the last three months, and arrests under the Goondas Act of key figures like Venkatesan, Kamaraj, and Vijaya who have longstanding criminal records linked to this illicit trade.
Although Kannukkutti alias Govindarajan was arrested ten days ago, he was released on station bail despite being involved in the sale of illicit liquor. Previously detained under the Goondas Act for related offenses, Govindarajan's re-arrest highlights his ongoing involvement in illegal liquor trade, marking the first instance where he is directly implicated in resulting fatalities.
As the investigation unfolds, Govindarajan, his wife Vijaya, and an accomplice named Thamodhiran have been detained. The authorities suspect that this network extended beyond these arrests, with Vidyur Raja and Chinnadurai allegedly responsible for sourcing and distributing the lethal liquor from villages on Kalvarayan Hills.
Police insights reveal that the network strategically employed seniors, physically challenged individuals, and women to evade strict law enforcement scrutiny. Among those arrested, Thamodhiran's physical challenges and Govindharaj's health condition were noted, potentially as factors limiting harsh legal consequences.
Moreover, the police disclosed challenges faced with police personnel who were recently transferred here during parliamentary elections, complicating oversight. Yet, proactive actions by the PEWS team led to the destruction of 80,000 litres of arrack over the last three months, and arrests under the Goondas Act of key figures like Venkatesan, Kamaraj, and Vijaya who have longstanding criminal records linked to this illicit trade.