Four more persons have died in the twin hooch tragedy in Malappuram district of Kerala, taking the toll to 19.

The toll was likely to go up as several persons who consumed the killer brew on Monday at Kuttipuram and Vandoor were being admitted to hospitals after they complained of vomiting, nausea and exhaustion, officials said.

According to preliminary assessment of forensic experts, the toddy supplied by the shop in Kuttippuram could have been mixed with methanol.

Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan had on Monday announced a judicial probe into the tragedy and directed the Home Department to take effective steps to bring the culprits to book.

Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, after visiting the affected areas, said if it was proved that the tragedy was caused by illicit liquor, murder charges will be filed against the culprits.

Meanwhile, the district administration on Tuesday said steps would be initiated soon for disbursing the solatium announced by Chief Minister to the families of the twin hooch tragedies.

Achuthanandan had announced a solatium of Rs one lakh each to the kins of those died in Monday’s tragedy, district collector M C Mohandas said in Malappuram.