"Apparently, the state government failed to prohibit sale and consumption of illicit/spurious liquor. Accordingly, it has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, Tamil Nadu calling for a detailed report in the matter within four weeks. It should include the status of the FIR registered by the police, medical treatment of the victims and compensation if any, granted to the aggrieved families. The Commission would also like to know about the action taken against the delinquent officers, responsible for the tragedy," the NHRC said.

According to a report by India Today, the liquor was sent to a laboratory for testing, where it was found that the methanol was stolen from factories and was unfit for human consumption.

Meanwhile,?the case was transferred to the Crime Branch-Criminal Investigation Department (CBCID) for further investigations.

What was the case?

Thirteen persons died in Villupuram district between May 13 and 15, and eight persons were arrested in connection with the deaths and illicit brewing of liquor. Later, one more person succumbed. Five persons died in Chengalpattu district till May 15 and two persons succumbed today, taking the death toll to 21 so far.

"After visiting the affected persons at the government medical college hospital in Mundiyambakkam in Villupuram district, the chief minister had announced to transfer the case to the CB-CID for further investigation. Accordingly, the cases have been transferred to the CB-CID by the state police chief," an official release said.

State Leader of Opposition and AIADMK chief?Palaniswami met the persons who are undergoing treatment after consuming spurious liquor in the districts, even as the police claimed the tragedy that struck Ekkiyarkuppam and Perunkaranai villages was due to the consumption of methanol, a deadly concoction made by illicit brewers, and not due to spurious liquor.

"This Methanol was sold by Amaran from Othiyur. After his arrest and subsequent enquiry, he admitted to having bought it from Muthu who had acquired it from Ezhumalai in Puducherry," the DGP said in a statement.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin?announced a relief of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of the victims. ? ??

K Palaniswami launched a scathing attack on the ruling DMK over the hooch deaths and demanded Stalin's resignation as CM.?He further?alleged that action was not being taken against those selling illicit liquor.

(With inputs from PTI)