Daijiworld Media Network – Belagavi
Belagavi, Aug 3: In a disturbing case that has shocked the region, three men have been arrested by Savadatti police for allegedly poisoning the drinking water tank of a government primary school in Hoolikatti village, Belagavi district, as part of a plot to falsely implicate and discredit the school's Muslim headmaster.
The accused have been identified as Sagar Patil, Naganagowda Patil, and Krishna Madara. Preliminary investigations suggest that the motive was to malign the reputation of headmaster Suleman Gorinayaka, who has been serving at the school for over 13 years.
Speaking to the media, district superintendent of police Dr Bhimashankar Guled said that Sagar Patil, reportedly affiliated with the Sri Rama organisation, masterminded the conspiracy. “Sagar intended to create communal tension and get the headmaster transferred by framing him in a deliberate act of negligence,” the SP stated.
The other two accused were closely connected to Sagar — Naganagowda is his relative, and Krishna previously worked as his driver. It is alleged that Sagar coerced Krishna into cooperating by blackmailing him over an inter-caste relationship.
In a particularly shocking revelation, the SP added that a minor student was manipulated and used to pour pesticide into the school's drinking water tank to carry out the plan.
The incident occurred on July 14, when 11 students fell ill after consuming the contaminated water following their midday meal. The sudden illness of multiple children sparked panic among parents and school staff, prompting a swift response from local authorities.
Savadatti police registered a case and launched an immediate investigation, which ultimately exposed the calculated attempt to frame the headmaster. The suspects have since been taken into custody, and further legal proceedings are underway.
The incident has triggered widespread condemnation from community leaders, education officials, and child rights activists. Many have called for the strongest possible action against the accused and raised concerns over the communalisation of school environments and the exploitation of children in criminal acts.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have indicated that additional charges may be filed as more evidence emerges.