Daijiworld Media Network - Pudukkottai

Pudukkottai, Mar 22: More than 40 persons, including women and children, fell ill after consuming suspected adulterated and illegally-tapped palm toddy in Melapullanviduthi near Vadakadu on Friday, officials said.

At least eight persons, aged between 20 and 70, are currently undergoing treatment at the Government Hospital in Alangudi. Health officials said the affected individuals reported symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and dizziness.

“They are being treated for food poisoning, dehydration and related complications. Their vital parameters are stable,” an official said. Several others received treatment at private hospitals in Pudukkottai and Thanjavur.

Preliminary investigations suggest that toddy was illegally tapped from palm trees along the Vadakadu–Melapullanviduthi stretch by workers reportedly brought from Rajapalayam. The sale had attracted residents from nearby villages, including Neduvasal, Anavayal and Mangadu.

Villagers alleged that the toddy was diluted with water and sold in plastic packets, and may have contained unidentified intoxicating substances. However, police said this aspect is yet to be confirmed.

In one case, a 41-year-old man from Neduvasal shared the toddy with his family, including two minor children, all of whom later fell ill and required hospitalisation.

The Tamil Nadu Police inspected the site on Sunday and seized clay pots, filters and other equipment used for tapping and storage. Empty plastic packets believed to have been used for distribution were also recovered.

The accused involved in the illegal sale are absconding, and a search has been launched to trace them. Preliminary enquiries indicate that the landowner was not directly involved in the activity.