• Source:JND
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In a chilling incident, three individuals have been arrested in Karnataka's Belgavi after they allegedly poisoned the drinking water tank at a government primary school, due to which students fell ill.

The act was allegedly carried out at the Hulikatti village school to frame the school's Muslim headmaster and get him transferred.

As per the police, the accused has been identified as Sagar Patil, the taluk president of a right-wing Hindu group named Shriram Sena. He was accompanied by two others- Naganagouda Patil, and Krishna Madar.

The incident came to light some two weeks ago when seven students of the school fell ill after drinking the contaminated water. The students later recovered.

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The police said that the intent behind the act was to stir communal tensions to eventually get the Muslim headmaster transferred. All three accused have been booked under the relevant sections of endangering public safety and promoting enmity.

The incident drew sharp reaction from the state Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. He called it a heinous crime driven by religious hatred and intolerance.

In a post on social media platform X, he said, "Religious fundamentalism and communal hatred can lead to heinous acts, and this incident, which could have resulted in the massacre of innocent children, is a testament to that."

Taking a sharp dig at the BJP, he asked, "Will Pramod Mutalik take responsibility for this incident? Will BY Vijayendra take responsibility? Will R Ashoka take responsibility?" he asked.

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"Leaders who always support such socially destructive acts should now come forward and atone for their sins," he added. He further warned that extremism, in all forms, poses a serious threat to society. He added that the state has formed an STF to curb hate speech and communal violence.

"Congratulations to the police personnel who foiled the evil plot to massacre children. I have full confidence that the judicial system will deliver appropriate punishment to the culprits who committed such a heinous act," Siddaramaiah added.

(With PTI Inputs)