Belagavi/Bengaluru: In a deeply disturbing case of communal hatred in Karnataka, three individuals—including Sriram Sena’s Savadatti Taluk President Sagar Patil—have been arrested for allegedly poisoning drinking water at a government school in Hulikatti village, Belagavi district. The accused were reportedly attempting to force the transfer of the school’s Muslim headmaster out of the village by endangering the lives of innocent students.
The incident, which occurred 15 days ago, led to several children falling ill after consuming contaminated water. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported. The arrests were made following a detailed police investigation.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, expressing shock over the incident in a post on X (formerly Twitter), said:
“This horrific crime shows how far religious fundamentalism and communal hatred can go—putting the lives of innocent children at risk.”
He called the incident a “murderous conspiracy” rooted in communal intolerance, questioning whether such hatred could truly grow in the land of 12th-century reformers who preached compassion.
The Chief Minister urged Pramod Muthalik, BJP leaders like B.Y. Vijayendra, and R. Ashoka —often accused of supporting divisive rhetoric—to introspect and publicly condemn the actions of fringe groups who instigate such crimes.
Siddaramaiah added that the Special Task Force set up to counter hate speech and communal violence has been actively monitoring and prosecuting such elements under the law.
“Let the public raise their voice, resist hatred, and report such incidents. Justice will prevail,” he asserted.
He lauded the police team for preventing what could have been a mass tragedy, stating he has full faith that the judicial system will deliver appropriate punishment to the culprits.
