Incident Overview
In a disturbing incident in Karnataka’s Belagavi district, a government school’s water tank was deliberately poisoned. The act was allegedly aimed at removing Suleman Gorinaik, the Muslim headmaster of the Government Lower Primary School in Hulikatti, from his position. This incident, which took place on July 14, resulted in the arrest of three individuals, including a local leader associated with the right-wing group Sri Ram Sene.
Motives Behind the Act
According to police reports, the accused intended to create panic and suspicion around Headmaster Gorinaik, who has served at the school for 13 years. The plot was allegedly designed to tarnish his reputation and compel his transfer. The mastermind behind this scheme was identified as Sagar Patil, the taluk-level president of Sri Ram Sene. During interrogation, Patil confessed that he resented a Muslim holding a prominent position in the local school.
Impact on Students
The poisoning incident led to twelve students falling ill after consuming water from the contaminated tank. Although their symptoms were not life-threatening, they were severe enough to alarm school authorities and parents. Prompt medical attention ensured that all affected students recovered fully, as confirmed by health officials.
Investigation Details
The investigation revealed that a fifth-grade student was coerced into executing the poisoning. The boy admitted to being given a bottle containing a harmful substance by Krishna Madar, who instructed him to pour it into the water tank. Further inquiries uncovered that Krishna acted under duress due to blackmail by Sagar Patil and Naganagouda Patil, who threatened to expose his inter-caste romantic relationship.
Official Response
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah strongly condemned the incident, describing it as a “heinous act driven by religious hatred and fundamentalism.” He emphasized that such crimes threaten communal harmony and could have resulted in tragic consequences for innocent children. The Chief Minister’s statement highlighted the need for vigilance against religious extremism and communal discord.