Hindu outfit leader held for poisoning school water to get Muslim principal ousted

India Today

3 days ago

In Karnataka's Belagavi district, the drinking water at a government school was allegedly poisoned in a targeted attempt against the school's headmaster, who belongs to the Muslim community. The incident, believed to have been fuelled by communal hatred, reportedly took place on July 14 and left several schoolchildren unwell. Fortunately, there were no fatalities.Police have arrested three individuals in connection with the case, including Sagar Patil, the taluk president of the Hindu right-wing group Sriram Sene. Authorities suspect the poisoning was a deliberate effort to malign the headmaster and pressure officials to transfer him from the school.advertisementIn a statement, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah questioned how such cruelty could occur in the land of the Sharanas (devotees of Lord Shiva), who taught that compassion is the root of righteousness. 'Even at this moment, I cannot bring myself to believe it,' he said, expressing disbelief and anguish.
He went on to criticise leaders of the BJP for spreading hatred in society under the guise of religion for political gain. 'Will Pramod Mutalik (Sriram Sene chief) take responsibility for this incident? Will BY Vijayendra take responsibility? Will R Ashok take responsibility?' he asked, calling for accountability from those who, he alleged, have supported socially destructive acts.The Chief Minister also warned against the dangers posed by all forms of extremism. 'All forms of fanaticism and fundamentalism are dangerous to human society,' he said. He noted that the government has established a special task force to monitor hate speech and curb communal violence. 'We are taking all possible measures within the legal framework against such elements. For our efforts to bear fruit, the public must also raise their voices against such forces, resist them, and file complaints,' he added.Despite the seriousness of the incident, Siddaramaiah expressed hope that the desire for communal harmony far outweighs the influence of those driven by hatred. He concluded by congratulating the police for their prompt action in foiling what he described as a heinous plot to harm children and voiced confidence that the justice system would ensure the perpetrators face appropriate punishment.In a separate but equally alarming incident reported on August 1, miscreants allegedly poured pesticide into the drinking water tank of a government primary school in Hoovinakone village, located in Shivamogga district's Hosanagara taluk. The incident came to light when the school's kitchen staff detected a foul smell and immediately alerted the headmaster, averting a potentially deadly situation.An FIR has been filed, and the police are investigating the case. Siddaramaiah, in a statement posted on social media, said, 'The state government has taken the incident of miscreants mixing pesticide into the drinking water tank of the government primary school in Hoovinakone, Hosanagar taluk, Shivamogga district, with utmost seriousness.'Calling it a deliberate attempt to massacre dozens of children, he said, 'It is my sentiment that this act is no less than any terrorist act. Due to the timely awareness of the kitchen staff, a major tragedy that could have occurred has been averted. I congratulate the school's kitchen staff.'advertisement'I have instructed the police to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, identify the culprits who committed this act, and ensure they face stringent punishment,' he added. 'The mindset of poisoning drinking water reveals a degradation of humanity among us. Everyone needs to introspect on this matter.'- Ends
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