School Water Tank Poisoned to Remove the Principal

A shocking and sad news was reported in Karnataka in Belagavi district where the drinking water tank of a government Kannada-medium primary school in Hullikatti village, Saundatti taluk was poisoned on purpose to have the Muslim headmaster of the school, Suleman Gorinaik, transferred.This deceptive act took place around mid-July 2025 which led to at least 11 students falling ill after consuming the contaminated water, resulting in their hospitalization and immersive police investigation.

How was the Water Tank Poisoned?

Police probes identified three persons, Sagar Patil, president of the Hindu right-wing group Sri Ram Sene, Savadatti taluk unit, Krishna Madar and Magangouda Patil who had plotted to add pesticide to the water tank. Their aim was to cause unrest and insecurity to the Muslim headmaster so that an authority would remove him from the school.

The accused bought the pesticide in Munavalli village from a store between July 18, 2025. In the implementation of the plan, a fifth-grade boy (a relative of Sagar Patil) was provided with a bottle that held the toxicant in the form of a soft drink bottle, ₹500, and snacks. The boy was ordered to add the pesticide to the drinking water tank of his school.

On contamination, the student threw away the pesticide bottle in the vicinity of the water tank, which later emerged as a crucial element of evidence that has led to the conviction of the accused. Police confirmed the chemical used was either a toxic pesticide or a poison, when combined with the water supply led to nausea and illness when the students drank the water.

Mapping out of Incident

The contamination came to be noticed when some students could discover the water had a bad smell and thus immediately informed the headmaster and other teachers. This prompt move averted greater tragedy. Nonetheless, 11 children were afflicted with nausea and needed hospital-based intervention where they have now recuperated.

A deeper investigation revealed that Sagar Patil and Magangouda Patil had forced Krishna Madar to be a part of the conspiracy since they threatened to reveal his inter-caste love affair to the world in case of his non-cooperation. It was during police interrogation that Krishna admitted his involvement.

Police Force and Detainment

Belagavi police acted promptly, collecting scientific evidence and statements which aided in unwinding the conspiracy. The three suspects were put into judicial custody on charges that include causing hurt by means of poison.

During the investigation, the safety of the school and the health of the children were the leading concerns, with district officials and health workers keeping a close check.

Reactions and Context

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah described the poisoning as a "heinous act” of communal hatred and fundamentalism. Through his post, he said, "religious fundamentalism and communal hatred can lead to heinous acts, and this incident, which could have resulted in the massacre of innocent children, is a testament to that.”

Other issues that the case has highlighted are the presence of extremist groups that have contributed to heightened communal tensions in the region. Police are still patrolling the place to avoid this again.

In short, in mid-July 2025, the drinking water tank of the school in a village called Hullikatti, was intentionally contaminated with pesticide. Three suspects, Sagar Patil (Sri Ram Sene leader), Krishna Madar, and Magangouda Patil worked together to execute the poisoning so as to cause the transfer of the Muslim headmaster. The minor student was offered poison and asked to pour it into the water tank. 11 students fell sick but recovered after medical care. The accused was arrested by police after the pesticide bottle was recovered, as well as investigations carried out. The case had generated concerns over mob hating by аlling the people which would show its effect in violence to minority community members in the role of service.

This is a disturbing act that shows the alarming necessity of the constant watchfulnesses, social integration, and legal measures to guarantee security and fairness at school and in the community.  

What are your views on this? Share your thoughts with us via mail and get a chance to get your exclusive article featured on our website.