Belagavi: In a disturbing incident from Hulikatti village in Savadatti taluk, police have arrested three individuals for allegedly attempting to poison the drinking water tank at a Government Primary School, endangering the lives of 41 children.
The incident occurred on July 14, when 11 students fell ill after consuming the contaminated water post-midday meal. Fortunately, the children sensed a foul smell, stopped drinking, and were immediately hospitalized. All have since recovered.
Superintendent of Police Dr Bheemashankar Guled confirmed that Suleman Gorenayak, the Muslim headmaster of the school, filed a complaint, prompting a full investigation.
A discarded soft drink bottle found near the water tank led investigators to a breakthrough. Forensic tests confirmed the presence of pesticides matching the tank’s contents.
Further inquiry, including interactions with students, revealed that water consumed before 9:15 a.m. was safe. One student later confessed to pouring liquid from the bottle into the tank. The boy, coaxed by the accused, received Rs 500, chocolates, and condiments as a bribe.
The mastermind, Sagar Patil, allegedly conspired to frame Headmaster Suleman in order to get him transferred, citing religious bias. Patil, connected to a right-wing group, roped in Krishna Madar (a former driver) and Nagangouda Patil (a relative) to execute the plan.
Sagar reportedly blackmailed Madar, leveraging a personal affair, to ensure the plot was carried out.
All three conspirators have been arrested, and the minor involved will serve as a prosecution witness. Savadatti police continue to probe the case.