Trivandrum: Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan today announced a judicial inquiry into the hooch tragedy in Malappuram district that claimed 18 lives.

He told the media that the details of the inquiry, such as the terms of reference, would be decided at the next meeting of the Cabinet.

He also announced an assistance of Rs.1 lakh each to the families of the dead.

The government would meet the full expenditure for treatment of those in hospitals following consumption of the poisonous liquor.

Chief Minister said that he had directed the Home Department to take stringent action against those responsible for the tragedy.