CBI takes over Tamil Nadu's hooch tragedy probe

CHENNAI: Central bureau of investigation (CBI) has taken over investigation of the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy, in which 68 people had died in June last year, by re-registering the FIR registered by CB-CID.

Supreme Court had recently upheld Madras high court's order for fresh investigation by CBI into the tragedy. "We see no good reason to interfere with the well-reasoned judgment of high court," said Supreme Court in its order.

Madras HC had come down heavily on CB-CID for misdirected investigation. "Despite two people involved being natives of Puducherry, the angle of inter-state transportation of illegal chemicals and substances has received a step-motherly treatment. CBI will be better equipped to deal with inter-state issues like this and this also weighs in favour of the transfer of investigation," HC had said.