Authorities in Karnataka, India, have arrested three individuals in connection with the poisoning of a water tank at a government school, which police state was part of a plot to oust the Muslim headmaster from his position.

 

 

The incident took place on July 14 at the Government Lower Primary School located in Hulikatti village in the Belagavi district. 12 students fell ill after drinking the contaminated water, but health officials confirmed that they received treatment and have now recovered. 

 

 

According to local police, the motive behind the act was to create fear and distrust toward headmaster Suleman Gorinaik, who has been serving at the school for 13 years. Investigators believe the scheme was designed to prompt his transfer from the school.

 

 

Police traced the incident to a fifth-grade student who admitted to poisoning the water tank with a toxic substance. The child told investigators that he was given a bottle and instructed to carry out the act by a man identified as Krishna Madar.

 

 

Further investigation revealed that Madar was acting under pressure. Authorities indicated that he was being blackmailed by Sagar Patil and Naganagouda Patil, who allegedly threatened to expose details of his inter-caste relationship. Under this coercion, Madar agreed to participate in the plot. 

 

 

Sagar Patil, affiliated with the right-wing group Sri Ram Sene, has been identified as the main conspirator. During questioning, police allege that Patil admitted to opposing a Muslim person in a leadership role at the school. 

 

 

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah commented on the situation via social media, labelling it a significant threat to communal harmony. He emphasised that the poisoning was executed to target the headmaster because of his religious background.

 

 

The incident has sparked public debate in India. Users on X (formerly Twitter) voiced their concerns regarding child safety and escalating communal tensions. One post described the act as “devious and bigoted,” questioning the implications had the poisoning resulted in fatalities. Another user highlighted that failing to universally condemn such actions sets a dangerous precedent.