Suspected Poison In Chamarajanagar Temple ‘Prasad’ Takes 11 Lives, 80 Admitted; CM Announces Rs 5 Lakh Ex Gratia 

11 people have been killed and 80 others have been hospitalised after consuming the ‘prasad’ that is suspected to have been poisoned at a temple in Karnataka’s Chamarajanagar district. Among the 11, two are young children. The incident occurred on Friday, 14 December.

Police have informed that 12 people are critical and have been shifted to Mysuru for treatment. The district health officer suspects poisoning as the reason behind the deaths. Complaints of stomach pain and vomiting started flowing in after the prasad had been consumed by the devotees in the Sulivad village. Government of Karnataka has announced an ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased.

The medical expenses will be borne by the state. Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy has been quoted by ANI as saying, “There is an unfortunate food poisoning incident in Kamgere village. The Principal Secretary and Commissioner have instructed District Health Officers of Mandya and Mysore to provide help to Chamrajnagar health administration.”

Furthermore, emergency helpline calls are being monitored by the program officer and efforts to arrange adequate ambulance services are being coordinated. The Indian Express quoted the CM who said, “Commissioner has instructed ADC Mysore to provide services of private ALP ambulances. Two senior officers are on their way from state headquarters to coordinate and supervise activities.”