Karnataka: At least seven dead, 82 hospitalized after eating prasad
In a shocking incident, at least seven people, including two children, have died after consuming prasad from a temple at the Sulivadi village in Chamarajnagar district in Karnataka. The deaths apart, a whopping 82 people had to be hospitalized after consuming the prasad. Reportedly, 12 among them are in a critical condition, and have been taken to Mysuru for treatment. Here's more.
Prasad was given out at a temple opening ceremony
According to police, the incident took place following the foundation ceremony of the Maramma temple at the Sulivadi village. After the ceremony, prasad was distributed to those who had attended the event. Reportedly, most of the attendees followed the Om Shakti religious tradition. However, chaos broke out after the seemingly innocuous ceremony.
Hundreds of devotees had attended the ceremony
"Hundreds of devotees from adjoining villages and taluks had descended on the village. After the function, all the devotees were made to sit in line and served ricebath prepared at the temple," a resident of the neighboring village told Deccan Herald.
People were vomiting and writhing in pain
People who had consumed the prasad started vomiting uncontrollably, and reportedly, many were writhing on the ground in agonizing stomach pains. As the panic spread, police rushed to the spot, along with district authorities to provide emergency medical relief. What followed was commotion, as dozens had to be rushed to nearby hospitals for further treatment.
Many devotees are currently fighting for their lives
During treatment, at least seven people breathed their last. Two deaths took place at a hospital in Kamagere, two more at a hospital in Kollegala, and one at a hospital in Ramapura, said the police. It's not known where the other two deaths took place. As of now, many of the devotees are fighting for their lives.
It is suspected that the prasad might have been poisoned
Expressing shock and grief over the incident, Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy said that he had given out directions to make all requisite arrangements to treat those affected. Meanwhile, the district health officer said that it was suspected that poison might have got mixed with the prasad. Reportedly, some devotees had smelled kerosene in the prasad, but ignored it and ate it anyway.
