Consumption of spurious liquor led to the death of 57 people, most of them daily wage laborers, and left 150 others battling for life in a hospital in a southern Indian state. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) expressed its “profound sorrow and condolences to the families of those who tragically lost their lives after consuming methanol-mixed liquor in Tamil Nadu [state].” Many of those who died were Dalits or formerly untouchables from Kallakuruchi town and its nearby villages who worked as daily labourers. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families during this heartbreaking time,” the CBCI said in a June 21 statement. The Catholic bishops also sought action against those involved in the illicit liquor trade that led to the tragedy. The state police’s crime investigation department has arrested seven suspects so far since the tragedy on June 19. The victims, among them two women and a transgender person, consumed the spurious liquor in the evening after a hard day’s work. “Among the dead are a few Protestant Christians,” said a Catholic priest in the Arch-diocese of Pondicherry-Cuddalore which covers the Kallakuruchi town and its surrounding area. However, the exact number of Christians who died or are in serious condition could not be ascertained due to the highly tense situation, he said. “It is still ex-plosive despite heightened security,” the priest who wished to be anonymous told.