Malappuram, Monday, September 06, 2010: The police has arrested the two liquor shop licensees following the hooch tragedy that led to the loss of nine lives in Kuttippuram in Malappuram district today. The two liquor shop licensees Balakrishnan and Unnikrishnan were nabbed from Pattambi.

Earlier report: -

Nine persons including five Malayalees have died after consuming illicit liquor in Kuttipuram, Malappuram district today. The other four are natives of Tamil Nadu.

The deceased have been identified as Chathu (a resident of Meppad), Navas, Soman, Balan and Dasan. The Tamil Nadu natives have been identified as Nithin, Dhanashekharan, Subramanian and Kanakkarayi. The liquor shop contractor Dravyan has been taken into custody in connection with this incident. Reports suggest that the liquor was adulterated using Methanol, which when consumed would prove fatal.

State Labour and Excise minister P.K Gurudasan had earlier told that instructions had been given for a detailed probe into the matter. Minister affirmed that he had also ordered for the submission of a detailed investigation report regarding the same. If any evidences that confirm a liquor tragedy were received the case would be registered on murder charges, said Gurudasan.

Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan who visited the hospital had informed that a high level probe would be conducted into the hooch tragedy. KPCC President Ramesh Chennithala today demanded that a judicial probe must be conducted in to the illicit liquor tragedy near Kuttippuram in Malappuram district today.