A shocking incident in Karnataka's Belagavi district has resulted in the arrest of three individuals for allegedly poisoning the water supply of a government school in an attempt to remove the Muslim headmaster. The incident, which occurred on July 14th in Hulikatti village, led to multiple students falling ill after consuming the contaminated water.
According to authorities, the accused individuals are Sagar Patil, Naganagouda Patil, and Krishna Madar. Sagar Patil is the taluk president of a right-wing group called Sri Ram Sene and is considered the mastermind behind the crime. Police reports indicate that Patil resented a Muslim individual holding the position of headmaster at the Government Lower Primary School in Hulikatti, where Suleman Gorinaik has been serving for the past 13 years. The plan was allegedly intended to tarnish the headmaster's reputation and force his transfer.
The investigation revealed that Krishna Madar was coerced into participating in the crime. Sagar Patil and Naganagouda Patil allegedly blackmailed him by threatening to expose his inter-caste relationship. Under duress, Madar allegedly involved a child by offering chocolates and money to pour insecticide into the water tank.
After the incident on July 14th, several children between the ages of seven and ten years old fell sick after drinking the poisoned water at the Government Lower Primary School. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported. The headmaster, Suleman Gorinaik, filed a complaint with the Soundatti Police Station, leading to an investigation and subsequent arrests. The case has been registered under Sections 110 (culpable homicide) and 125(a) (endangering life) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has strongly condemned the act, calling it a "heinous act driven by religious hatred and fundamentalism". He emphasized that the crime posed a grave threat to communal harmony and urged self-reflection from those who spread hatred in the name of religion for political gains. Siddaramaiah questioned the responsibility of BJP leaders and right-wing organizations in such incidents. He further stated that the government has formed a special task force to curb hate speeches and communal riots, vowing to take all possible legal measures against such elements.
