Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah strongly condemned the alleged incident of poisoning drinking water in a government school in Hulikatti village in Belgavi district. It has been reported that this act was allegedly carried out to pressurize the transfer of the Muslim Principal. Siddaramaiah called it a ‘heinous act’ inspired by religious hatred and fundamentalism in a post on ‘X’.
Three accused including Shri Ram Sena leader arrested
Siddaramaiah said in a statement, ‘The Principal of the government school in Hulikatti village of Savadatti Taluka in Belagavi district is from the Muslim community. With the malicious intentions to get him transferred elsewhere, Sagar Patil, president of Shri Ram Army, and two others, have been arrested for adding poison to the drinking water of school children. The incident took place about 15 days ago, in which many children fell ill, although no one was reported to have lost his life.
Pubic act inspired by religious fundamentalism ‘ – Siddaramaiah
Describing this act as a ‘serious threat’ for communal harmony, Siddaramaiah said, “Religious fundamentalism and communal hatred can give rise to heinous acts and this incident is a proof of this, resulting in innocent children. How can there be so much cruelty and hatred in the land of refuge? Those who say that ‘compassion is the root of religion’. I do not believe it even at this time.
BJP and right -wing organizations targeted
Targeting the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders and right -wing organizations, he said that those who spread hatred in the name of religion for political gains should be self -conscious.
“Will Shriram army chief take responsibility?”
Siddaramaiah questioned, “Will Pramod Mutalik (Shri Ram Sena Chief) take responsibility for this incident?” Will BY Vijendra take responsibility? Will R Ashok take responsibility? Leaders who always support such socially destructive acts, should now come forward and atone for their sins.
Told all types of bigotry
The Chief Minister warned that all types of bigotry are threats to the society. He said, “All kinds of bigotry and fundamentalism are dangerous for human society. We have formed a special task force to curb hate speeches and communal riots and we are taking all possible legal action against such elements.
Appeal for cooperation from public
Appealing for the support of the public, he said, “To be fruitful of all our efforts, the public should also raise voice against such forces, oppose them and file a complaint.” I still believe that the number of people wishing to live with goodwill is hundred times more than the number of communalists.
Appreciation of police readiness
Siddaramaiah also appreciated quick action of law enforcement officers. He said, “Congratulations to the policemen who failed the nefarious conspiracy of the massacre of children. I am confident that the judicial system will give proper punishment to the culprits who do such heinous acts.
Connecting poison in deliberate water, three arrested
According to police sources, the incident came to light when the health deteriorated in suspicious circumstances after drinking the water provided in the school premises of the children in the government primary school of Hulikatti village. Initial investigation indicated to deliberately contaminate the drinking water source. After police investigation, three people, including local leader of a right -wing group Sagar Patil, were arrested.
Doubt of conspiracy to target religious identity
According to officials, the purpose of this act was to be targeted by the school headmaster due to his religious identity. It is believed that the accused tried to create communal tension in the area by creating such concocted circumstances, which would transfer the headmaster. Now all the affected children are cured.