School Water Tank Poisoned by Class 5 Student
A school water tank was poisoned in Karnataka’s Belagavi district to remove a Muslim headmaster. The act not only endangered children’s health but also exposed the dangerous impact of religious hatred on public institutions. Fortunately, all affected students recovered, and those responsible have been arrested.
How Plastic Pollution Affects Health at Every Stage
Several Students at the Government Lower Primary School in Hulikatti village reported becoming ill after drinking water from the school tank. In total, twelve children fell ill, prompting immediate concern among school staff and parents.
While none of the symptoms were life-threatening, they were alarming enough to initiate a medical response. All children received prompt treatment and have since made a full recovery, according to health officials.
Investigation Uncovers Malicious Plot
Following the incident, police launched an investigation that revealed a disturbing plan behind the poisoning. Shockingly, a fifth-grade student admitted to pouring a harmful substance into the water tank. He said he was instructed to do so by an individual named Krishna Madar, who gave him a bottle containing the toxic substance.
Upon further questioning, Krishna confessed that he had been coerced. He was reportedly being blackmailed by two men, Sagar Patil and Naganagouda Patil, who threatened to expose his inter-caste relationship unless he complied.
Who Are the Accused?
The investigation revealed that the act was politically and communally motivated. Sagar Patil, the taluk-level president of the right-wing group Sri Ram Sene, was identified as the mastermind. He allegedly resented the fact that the school’s headmaster, Suleman Gorinaik, was a Muslim.
Patil, along with Naganagouda and Krishna, aimed to create suspicion and unrest within the community, thereby forcing the transfer of the headmaster. All three individuals have been arrested and are now facing legal action.
The Lancet Countdown on Health and Plastics
Karnataka’s Chief Minister Siddaramaiah strongly condemned the incident, calling it a “heinous act driven by religious hatred and fundamentalism.” He emphasised that the poisoning could have caused a mass casualty event, underlining the seriousness of communal violence and its potential impact on innocent lives, especially children.
He stated that religious extremism and communal animosity might lead to horrific atrocities. This episode, which may have resulted in the murder of innocent children, demonstrates that.”
Manipulated and Mistreated
The school water tank poisoning in Karnataka has left emotional scars that extend beyond physical pain. Children who drank the water may now feel scared or anxious at school, while the young boy who was forced to do it is likely struggling with guilt and confusion. Parents and teachers are also dealing with fear and shaken trust. It’s a painful reminder that acts of hate don’t just hurt bodies, they affect hearts and minds too. Healing now means more than arrests; it calls for empathy, counselling, and rebuilding a sense of safety for everyone involved.
Conclusion
The poisoning of the school water tank in Karnataka is not just a criminal case; it is a reflection of a deeper societal issue. Acts of communal hatred can infiltrate even the safest spaces like schools. Fortunately, in this case, lives were saved, justice is being pursued, and the community is being urged to stand united against such divisive ideologies.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
Priya Bairagi
Reviewed by Dr Aarti Nehra (MBBS, MMST)
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
