CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: The death toll in the tragic Kallakuruchi hooch tragedy increased to 53 on Saturday and close to 200 persons are still undergoing treatment at various hospitals in the region. The Tamil Nadu police have arrested seven persons in connection with the case.

Newly appointed Kallakuruchi District Collector M.S. Prashant visited persons undergoing treatment at Kallakuruchi government hospital and added a few people are still on ventilators. “Out of the 193 people undergoing treatment, 140 are currently safe and a few people are on ventilators,” he said. Prashant said as many as 53 persons have died after consuming illicit liquor in the district. He added that CB-CID has taken over the probe of the case and has arrested seven persons.

Health Minister Ma. Subramanian visited those undergoing treatment on Friday. The minister visited those being treated at Kallakuruchi government hospital, JIPMER-Puducherry and Salem government hospital and enquired about their well-being.