2 People Dead, Several Fall Ill In Karnataka Village After Consuming Contaminated Water, Says Police

An investigation is also being conducted into allegations of poisoning in the case.

Villagers in Karnataka consume contaminated water

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Two people died and over 60 others fell sick in a village in Chitradurga district of Karnataka after they consumed contaminated water, said the police on Wednesday. An investigation is also being conducted into allegations of poisoning, reported news agency PTI. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah after speaking to Chitradurga Deputy Commissioner Divya Prabhu G R over phone ordered an inquiry and directed for the suspension of the officer found guilty in connection with the deaths with immediate effect.

On Monday evening, the local police received information from the district hospital about several residents from Kavadigarahatti village being rushed to the facility for treatment after developing severe symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea.

On Monday evening, the local police received information from the district hospital about several residents from Kavadigarahatti village being rushed to the facility for treatment after developing severe symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea.

As soon as the incident came to light, water supplied by the city municipality was stopped and alternate arrangements were made, said the police, as reported by PTI.

"In total, 63 people from Kavadigarahatti village were taken to different hospitals after they fell sick allegedly after drinking the contaminated water here. Among them, two deaths have been reported which are suspected to be due to consumption of contaminated water. But a post-mortem report is awaited to ascertain the exact cause of deaths," said Chitradurga Superintendent of Police K Parashurama.

The deceased identified as Manjula (23), died at the district hospital in Chitradurga on Tuesday morning, while 27-year old Raghu who also hails from Kavadigarahatti village and had travelled to Bengaluru after drinking the water died later in the day.

Kavadigarahatti villagers argue that water contamination led to the symptoms, while some local residents have alleged that municipal council authorities had not cleaned the water tank for several days. An investigation is also underway to ascertain if the water was poisoned deliberately by "water man".