Tumakuru: At least two individuals have succumbed after consuming contaminated water in Chinnenahalli village, Madhugiri taluk, Tumakuru district, according to Home Minister G. Parameshwara on Thursday.
Officials identified the deceased as Chikkadasappa (76) and Peddanna (72), who passed away in a hospital on Wednesday. They were among nearly a hundred villagers who fell ill on June 10 after drinking water from an overhead tank and a water unit during a local fair.
Parameshwara visited the hospital to check on the health of those receiving treatment. “During the Chinnenahalli temple fair, over a hundred people suffered from vomiting and diarrhea due to contaminated water. Many sought treatment in private hospitals across Madhugiri, Koratagere, and Tumakuru. The district administration also transferred affected individuals to Tumakuru hospital,” he stated.
He confirmed the deaths of two people at the hospital. Responding to reports of additional fatalities, including a three-year-old girl at a private hospital, he indicated efforts to verify these details, saying, “We will gather information about deaths in private hospitals and determine the overall impact of this incident.”
The Minister announced the suspension of the village Panchayat Development Officer (PDO) and the waterman for failing to take necessary precautions. “An inquiry revealed that ongoing water connection work led to contamination when a JCB damaged the pipes. Preliminary test reports have been received, and further results are pending, which will provide more clarity,” he explained.