Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has strongly condemned the recent incident of water poisoning at a government school in Hoolikatti village, Saundatti taluk, Belagavi district, where 11 students had to be hospitalised. He criticised members of the Sriram Sene and questioned the BJP leadership over their silence on the matter.
Three people, including Sriram Sene’s taluk president Sagar Patil, were arrested for allegedly contaminating the school’s drinking water to force the transfer of the Muslim headmaster. The incident occurred on July 14.
Calling it a dangerous example of communal hatred, Siddaramaiah wrote on social media platform X: “This incident, which could have resulted in the massacre of children, proves how religious extremism can lead to heinous crimes. All forms of communalism and fanaticism are threats to society.”
Targeting the BJP and Sangh Parivar, the CM asked, “Will Pramod Mutalik take responsibility? Will Vijayendra accept blame? Let those who support such acts reflect on their role.”
Siddaramaiah further said: “Is it possible that such hatred can grow in the land of the Sharanas? Even now, I find it hard to believe.” He urged BJP leaders to introspect instead of promoting communal divisions for political gain.
The CM also appreciated the swift action taken by the police and confirmed the formation of a special task force to counter hate speech and communal violence. “We are taking all legal steps against such elements. The public must also stand against them and report such activities,” he said.
Meanwhile, Belagavi SP Bheemashankar S. Guled revealed that Sagar Patil and Nagangouda Patil had allegedly blackmailed a local resident, Krishna Madar, over an inter-faith relationship. Under pressure, Krishna purchased three insecticides, mixed them, and convinced a school student to pour the contents into the water tank using a juice packet.
The incident is under further investigation, police officials confirmed.
