Bengaluru, 3 Aug

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday condemned the alleged poisoning of drinking water at a government school in Hulikatti village, Belagavi district, reportedly aimed at forcing the transfer of a Muslim headmaster.

Calling it a “heinous act” rooted in religious hatred, Siddaramaiah said the accused, identified as Sagar Patil, Taluk President of Shri Ram Sena, and two others, were arrested after deliberately contaminating the school’s water supply. The incident occurred around 15 days ago, leaving several children ill, though no casualties were reported.

In a post on 'X', Siddaramaiah stated, “This was a deliberate attempt to remove a headmaster solely because of his faith. It is a grave threat to communal harmony and a terrifying example of how religious fundamentalism can endanger innocent lives.”

He criticised Right-wing leaders, asking whether Sri Ram Sena Chief Pramod Mutalik and BJP leaders BY Vijayendra and R Ashoka would take responsibility if there were deaths. “Those who spread hatred in the name of religion for political gain must introspect and atone,” he added.

Police investigations revealed the motive was to create unrest and prompt the transfer of the Muslim headmaster. Preliminary inquiries confirmed that the water was deliberately poisoned, leading to swift arrests.

Siddaramaiah praised the police for preventing what could have been a “massacre” and expressed confidence in the judiciary to deliver justice. He warned that all forms of extremism are dangerous to society and announced a special task force to curb hate speech and communal violence.

Appealing for public support, he said, “We need the people to speak up, file complaints, and stand against such hate. I firmly believe the number of citizens who desire peaceful coexistence far outweighs those who sow division.”

All affected children have since recovered.