Sri Rama Sene Leader Among Three Held for Poisoning School Drinking Water in Belagavi

Mangalore Today News Network

Belagavi, August 3, 2025: The Karnataka Police have arrested a local Sri Rama Sene leader and two others for allegedly contaminating the drinking water at a government primary school in Hulikatti village, Belagavi district. The incident, which occurred last month, left 11 children ill after consuming the poisoned water.

The arrested have been identified as Sagar Patil, president of the Savadatti taluk unit of Sri Rama Sene, and his accomplices Krishna Madar and Magangouda Patil. Police said the trio laced the water tank with pesticide in an attempt to target the school’s headmaster, Suleman Gorenayak, who belongs to a minority community.

Belagavi Superintendent of Police Bheemashankar S Guled said on Saturday, “Some students noticed a foul smell in the water and informed the headmaster and another teacher, which averted a bigger tragedy. A few students who consumed the water suffered from nausea but recovered after receiving immediate medical treatment.”

Preliminary investigation revealed that Sagar Patil masterminded the plot, allegedly to have Gorenayak suspended or transferred. “The headmaster has been serving the school for 13 years and is well-regarded in the village. A soft drink bottle containing pesticide was found near the water tank,” a senior officer said.

Further probe revealed that Krishna Madar had bribed a minor boy with chocolates, snacks, and Rs 500 to pour the pesticide into the water tank.

During questioning, Madar reportedly confessed that Patil had coerced him into the act by threatening to reveal his relationship with a woman from another caste. The pesticide used was allegedly purchased by Madar and Magangouda Patil.

Police have registered a case and further investigation is underway.