Karnataka CM Calls Contamination of School Water Tanks a Terrorist Act

Serious Incident in Shivamogga District

The Chief Minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah, has condemned a shocking incident in which water tanks at a government primary school in Shivamogga district were allegedly contaminated with pesticides by miscreants, resulting in four children falling ill. This incident occurred on Thursday in the village of Huvinakone, located in the Hosanagara taluk. Siddaramaiah emphasized that the state government is treating this matter with utmost seriousness, as the act of poisoning drinking water is akin to a terrorist attack aimed at innocent children.

He praised the vigilance of the school kitchen staff, which prevented a potential disaster. The Chief Minister commended their timely intervention and stated that he has instructed the police to conduct a thorough investigation to identify the culprits and ensure they face severe punishment. He expressed concern over the mindset that leads someone to poison drinking water, highlighting a moral decline in humanity within society.

Investigation and Health Update

On Thursday, two water tanks at the government school were found to be contaminated, with one tank showing dangerously high levels of pesticides. The issue came to light when some students noticed a foul smell while washing their hands with water from the other tank. After feeling unwell, they alerted their teachers. Four children who came into contact with the contaminated water were taken to Hosanagara Hospital, where they are currently reported to be in stable condition. Tehsildar Rashmi Halesh, along with other officials, visited the school to conduct an inspection of the situation.