Karnataka right-wing leader, 2 others arrested for poisoning school water tank; police say motive was to oust headmaster from minority faith
The trio had allegedly laced the drinking water with pesticides as part of a conspiracy against the headmaster of the school, who belongs to a minority faith.
The three accused have been identified as Sagar Patil, president of the Savadatti taluk unit of Sri Ram Sene, Krishna Madar, and Magangouda Patil.
Bheemashankar S Guled, Superintendent of Police, Belagavi, Saturday said, 'Some students detected a foul smell (in the water) and informed the headmaster and another teacher, which prevented a larger tragedy. Some of the students who had consumed the water experienced nausea. They received immediate medical treatment and recovered.'
According to a police officer, Sagar Patil was the mastermind behind the conspiracy. 'He (Sagar Patil) wanted headmaster Suleman Gorenayak to be transferred or suspended. Gorenayak has served the school for 13 years and was on good terms with the villagers. After the incident was reported, the police began a probe. A soft drink bottle was found near the water tank, and upon checking, it was found to contain pesticide,' the officer added.
The police said they later found out that Madar had given a minor boy chocolates, condiments, and Rs 500 in lieu of emptying the bottle containing pesticides in the school water tank.
During interrogation, Madar confessed that Sagar Patil had discovered his relationship with a woman from another caste, and he had threatened to 'expose' him if he did not participate in his conspiracy. Madar and Magangouda Patil had allegedly purchased the pesticide.
A police officer said the minor will be a prosecution witness and receive protection from the law.
'We utilised scientific evidence and student interactions to solve this case. This was a planned, deeply disturbing attempt motivated by communal hatred,' SP Guled remarked.
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