11 students hospitalised: To transfer Muslim principal, men poison water tank in Karnataka school; Sri Ram Sene chief among 3 held

Time of India

7 hours ago

Image Credit: TOI
NEW DELHI: Police in Karnataka have arrested three men in connection with the poisoning of a school water tank that left 11 students hospitalised in Belagavi district two weeks ago.
One of those arrested, Sagar Patil, is president of the Sri Ram Sene's Savadatti taluk unit.
The incident occurred at a government Kannada primary school in Hulikatti village, where toxic substances were mixed into the school's drinking water supply.
Belagavi Superintendent of Police Bhimashankar Guled told reporters that the accused intended to target the school's headmaster, who belongs to a minority community.
Here's what happened
According to the investigation, the trio—Sagar Patil, Krishna Madar and Magangouda Patil—believed the poisoning would lead to the headmaster's transfer.
All 11 students who fell ill after consuming the contaminated water were treated and discharged from hospital.
The accused have been remanded to judicial custody.
Guled said Sagar Patil was the main conspirator. He allegedly coerced Krishna Madar into joining the plan by threatening to reveal his relationship with a girl from another community.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Your New Zealand escape starts with Singapore Airlines
Fly with Singapore Airlines
Book Now
Undo
Patil sourced the poison from Munavalli village and it was mixed into the tank water by a student relative.
CM blames '
religious fundamentalism
'
Chief minister Siddaramaiah condemned the incident as 'a heinous act driven by religious fundamentalism and hatred'. He alleged the motive was to discredit the headmaster, who has served the school for 13 years, and force his removal.
'This act could have resulted in the massacre of innocent children. It is a terrifying reminder of how religious bigotry and communal hatred can manifest in such inhuman ways,' the CM posted on X.
Siddaramaiah also accused the opposition BJP of fostering a climate of religious polarisation. 'Will Pramod Mutalik, BY Vijayendra, or R Ashok take responsibility for this? Leaders who support such anti-social elements must come forward and atone for their sins,' he said.
He announced a special task force to monitor hate speech and prevent communal violence, urging citizens to resist divisive rhetoric and report provocations.
Child rights panel steps in
In a separate incident in Shivamogga district, the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR) initiated a suo motu complaint regarding pesticide contamination at a school in Hoovinakone village.
The panel has sought a report from the district's education department, calling the act 'unforgivable'. KSCPCR member Shashidhar Kosambe praised the swift response of staff, which he said prevented a major tragedy.
Shivamogga SP GK Mithun Kumar has formed three investigative teams to identify those responsible. Police have recovered the pesticide bottle used and are following leads. DSP Aravind Kalagujji is leading the probe, with 18 officers deployed in the area.
Local residents expressed dismay at the tarnishing of their village's image. A new water connection has been set up at the school, while the contaminated tank is being preserved as evidence.