A 65-year-old woman died and at least nine others took ill after they consumed water that is suspected to have been poisoned at Teggelli village in Yadgir district.
While the nine have been admitted to hospitals in Kembhavi and Shahpur, Honnamma died at a hospital in Kalaburagi early on Thursday morning.
It is suspected that miscreants poured a chemical — according to officials, most likely endosulfan — into the valve that was installed near an open well in Mudnur village.
The water from the well is supplied to Teggelli and Shakhapur villages through pipelines.
The Kembhavi police, who have registered a case, have launched search operation to track the miscreants.
Sent for tests
Contaminated water sample and blood samples of those admitted have been sent to Bengaluru for tests.
Locals say that the scale of the tragedy would have been worse if not for the presence of mind of the valve operator Mounesh. Having been alerted by his mother that the water smelt foul, Mr. Mounesh immediately stopped the water at source and made public announcements in both the villages, warning people not to consume it. However, by then, some had already consumed water, including the deceased.
Deputy Commissioner M. Kurma Rao and Superintendent of Police Iada Martin Marbaniang, who visited the village, ordered that water be supplied through tankers to the two villages. They pacified the irate villagers and assured action against those responsible. They also ordered the gram panchayat officials to empty the open well.
“We will see the autopsy report and take further action on the release of compensation,” said Savita Mannikeri, CEO of the zilla panchayat. Since the woman also had a lung problem, it is is being ascertained if she died of poisoning.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister H.D. Kumarswamy has directed a thorough inquiry into the incident. He also asked the district administration to ensure that all precautions are taken to prevent such incidents in future.
Rajshekhar B. Patil, Minister for Mines and Geology and also Yadgir district in charge, visited Teggelli village on Thursday evening.
Locals say that the scale of the tragedy would have been worse if not for the presence of mind of the valve operator Mounesh. Having been alerted by his mother about foul smell, Mr. Mounesh immediately stopped the water at source and made announcements in both the villages, warning people not to consume it. However, by then, some had already consumed water, including the deceased.
Deputy Commissioner M. Kurma Rao and Superintendent of Police Iada Martin Marbaniang, who visited the village, ordered that water be supplied through tankers to the two villages. They pacified the irate villagers and assured action against those responsible. They also ordered the gram panchayat officials to empty the open well.
“We will see the autopsy report and take further action on the release of compensation,” said Savita Mannikeri, CEO of the zilla panchayat. Since the woman also had a lung problem, it is is being ascertained if she died of poisoning.
Probe ordered
Meanwhile, Chief Minister H.D. Kumarswamy has directed a thorough inquiry into the incident. He also asked the district administration to ensure that all precautions are taken to prevent such incidents in future. Rajshekhar B. Patil, Minister for Mines and Geology and also Yadgir district in charge, visited Teggelli village on Thursday evening.
