Eleven dead after eating prasad in Karnataka temple

BENGALURU: At least 11 people have died and more than 70 others fell ill after consuming ‘prasad’ (sanctified food) at a temple in Sulwadi village of Hanur Taluk, Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka, said state government officials, even as the police are investigating whether they were deliberately poisoned.

BENGALURU: : At least 11 people have died and nearly 70 taken ill after eating prasad suspected to have been laced with poison at a temple in Sulwadi village in Karnataka’s Chamarajanagar district, state government officials aware of the development said.

Karnataka minister for backward classes C Puttaranga Shetty told HT the police suspect the prasad might have been deliberately poisoned and have detained two persons, Chinnappi and Madesha, for questioning. Those who have taken ill have been admitted to various hospitals in Chamrajanagar and neighbouring Mysuru districts.

According to the officials, people from several villages had gathered at Sulwadi village to take part in rituals for construction of a ‘gopuram’ (monumental entrance tower) to the local deity, Kichhukatti Maramma.

Preliminary reports suggested there were differences of opinion between two sections of the temple management committee over the construction and one section may have mixed pesticides in the prasad after an argument.

“The police will do a thorough investigation and anybody found guilty will not be spared. Right now, the priority is to ensure that those who have taken ill get the best treatment,” Shetty said, adding that samples of the prasad have been been sent for tests.

According to the officials, the devotees were served tomato rice and panchamrutha (a mixture of milk, sugar and bananas). Although the rice gave off a foul smell, those who had queued up ate it saying it was prasad. Within a few minutes, some of them had started throwing up while others developed diarrhoea. Some complained of a burning sensation in the eyes, throat and stomach.

Birds and dogs that consumed the leftover prasad, which was thrown away, have also died, they added.

Chief minister HD Kumaraswamy has announced an ex-gratia of ₹ 5 lakhs to the families of each of those dead. The family members of some of those hospitalised said lack of ventilators in the district hospital was hindering treatment. Minor irrogation minister C S Puttaraju told reporters that those affected were being shifted to private hospitals and that the government would bear all expenses.