Pudukkottai (Tamil Nadu) Mar 22 (PTI) At least 10 people fell ill after allegedly consuming adulterated toddy laced with sedative pills in Vadakadu of Pudukkottai district, police said on Sunday.
Initially, the police claimed that more than 40 people had fallen ill.
The victims, mostly local farm labourers, complained of severe vomiting, dizziness, and fainting shortly after consuming the fermented palm wine from an illegal vending point near a coconut grove on Saturday evening.
According to preliminary investigations, the toddy was allegedly spiked with a cocktail of sedative tablets, often used in psychiatric treatments, to increase its intoxicating effect.
“Four individuals who were found unconscious were rushed to the nearby government hospital, along with others. Once their condition is stabilised, they will be discharged,” a senior police official said.
The local administration has launched a massive crackdown on illegal toddy tapping and vending in Vadakadu area.
The seized samples of the contaminated beverage have been sent for forensic analysis. Further investigation is underway. PTI JR JR KH
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