Poisoning Incident in Belagavi School Sparks Outrage, Raises Communal Tensions
Belagavi, Karnataka – August 3, 2025: A deeply disturbing incident of suspected communal violence has come to light in Karnataka’s Belagavi district, where the water tank of a government school in Hulikatti village, Savadatti taluk, was allegedly poisoned—an act that has endangered the lives of innocent schoolchildren and sparked public outrage across the state.
According to reports, several children fell seriously ill after consuming the contaminated water and required hospitalization. Thankfully, no fatalities were reported. The incident, which occurred nearly two weeks ago, is now being investigated as a deliberate attempt to target the school’s Muslim headmaster, raising serious concerns over the rise of hate-motivated crimes in the region.
Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Condemns the “Heinous Act”
In a strongly worded statement issued on Sunday, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH), Karnataka, condemned the poisoning as a “heinous act of communal hatred” and called for swift and impartial action from the state government.
“This malicious and deliberate act, reportedly driven by communal motives, endangered the lives of innocent children,” said Dr. Mohammed Saad Belgami, State President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Karnataka.
“It is a grim reflection of the rising tide of communal hatred in our society—fueled by false narratives, divisive propaganda, and political agendas. Such actions strike at the very core of public safety and social cohesion.”
Call for Justice and Accountability
Dr. Belgami urged the state administration to initiate a time-bound investigation and prosecute the perpetrators under the strictest provisions of law. He emphasized that any form of communal violence must be treated with zero tolerance.
“We demand exemplary punishment for those responsible,” he stated. “Only through strict enforcement of the law can we ensure that such heinous incidents are not repeated and that communal harmony is preserved.”
A Larger Warning Sign
While the immediate tragedy lies in the threat posed to schoolchildren, civil society leaders argue that this case is part of a broader pattern of rising communal hostility in Karnataka and across the country. The targeting of an individual based on religious identity—especially in an educational setting—has raised alarm bells among activists, educators, and community groups.
The poisoning incident has reignited calls for communal amity and a stronger civic response to hate-driven rhetoric. It also underscores the urgent need for authorities to monitor and counter hate propaganda that could inspire such acts of violence.
Appeal for Unity and Civic Action
Jamaat-e-Islami Hind has appealed to the public—across religious and political lines—to stand united in resisting hatred and reinforcing the values of peaceful coexistence.
“Karnataka has long stood as a beacon of unity and coexistence,” Dr. Belgami said. “We urge citizens, community leaders, religious figures, and civil society groups to come together in a people’s movement that defends our shared values of peace, justice, and dignity for all.”
A Test for Karnataka’s Social Fabric
This incident is being seen as a critical test of Karnataka’s commitment to social harmony, pluralism, and the safety of its most vulnerable citizens—especially children. The outcome of the investigation and the public’s response in the days ahead may well shape the tone of communal relations in the state for the foreseeable future.
