In a shocking and deeply disturbing incident, several children at a state school in Hoolikatti village, located in Karnataka’s Belagavi district, fell ill after drinking poisoned water. Authorities have arrested three individuals in connection with the poisoning, including a local leader of the Hindu right-wing group Sriram Sene. The motive behind this act appears to be an attempt to force the transfer of the school’s Muslim headmaster.
What Happened
On the morning of the incident, children at a local school in Hoolikatti village consumed contaminated drinking water from the school’s water tank. The water had been poisoned with insecticides, causing several students to fall ill. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported, and all affected children recovered. Police authorities in Belagavi quickly launched an investigation, leading to the arrest of three individuals, including Sriram Sene leader Sagar Patil and Nagangouda Patil, who allegedly coerced Krishna Madar, a local resident, to poison the water supply.
Who Is Behind the Poisoning
The plot was allegedly orchestrated by the Sriram Sene men, who are said to have targeted the school’s headmaster, Suleman Gorinaik, due to his Muslim identity. The Sriram Sene group is a known right-wing Hindu organization. The leaders behind the incident, Patil and Nagangouda, reportedly blackmailed Krishna Madar over his interfaith relationship, forcing him to poison the water tank. Madar purchased insecticides, mixed them with juice, and convinced a young student to pour the deadly contents into the school’s water tank.
Background or Timeline
Authorities began their investigation into the poisoning incident after several children fell ill after consuming the tainted water. Following the investigation, it was revealed that the poisoning was part of a larger, sinister plot to frame Headmaster Suleman Gorinaik and stir sectarian tensions. The aim was to discredit Gorinaik and force his removal. The incident occurred 15 days ago, but details have only just emerged as authorities closed in on the culprits.
The investigation utilized scientific evidence and interactions with students to uncover the motive behind the crime. The police have emphasized that this act was deeply premeditated, and its goal was to spread communal hatred.
Public or Social Media Reaction
The poisoning incident has sparked outrage across the country, especially in the wake of the chief minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah’s condemnation. He described the act as “heinous” and motivated by religious fundamentalism and hatred. In a public statement, the chief minister expressed his disbelief over how the act could have led to a massacre of innocent children.
Muslim organizations in Karnataka have since demanded a ban on the Sriram Sene group, urging the government to take action against those spreading hate. Protests have been organized, and a memorandum has been submitted to the Belagavi Deputy Commissioner’s office calling for stricter actions against such groups.
Official Statement or What Happens Next
Karnataka’s chief minister, Siddaramaiah, has taken a strong stance against the violence, calling it “proof that religious fundamentalism and communal hatred can lead to any heinous act.” He also criticized political leaders, particularly those from the BJP, for using religion to sow societal division. The government has responded by forming a special task force to address hate speeches and prevent communal riots. Authorities are taking all necessary legal actions against those involved in the poisoning incident.
The police continue to investigate the case, and the community remains in shock over the violence that targeted innocent children. The chief minister has vowed to take stronger action against individuals and organizations that incite hate and violence.
Closing:
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
