Kalaburagi: In an incident reported from Sedam taluk, medication from a quack on Wednesday for their addiction to alcohol resulted in the death of three men while a fourth patient is reported to be seriously ill.

The victims and identified as Lakshminarasimhalu (45) of Burugapalli, Ganesh Babu Rathod (24) of Shahabad, and Nagesh Bheemashappa Gadagu (25) of Madkal village. Lakshminarasimhalu’s son Ningappa Narasimhalu is under treatment at the Kalaburagi District Hospital as his health condition is critical, police have said.

The four men were treated by one Fakirappa, also known as Muthya, who is residing in Imadapura village and has been treating alcoholics using native medicine. He is said to have the treated the victims on Wednesday, but the patients fell ill after taking the medicine and were rushed to hospital.

Sedam Police have registered a case with regard to the incident, while the quack is said to be absconding.

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Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Monday alleged that Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has referred the Hate Speech and Hate Crime (Prevention) Bill to the President Droupadi Murmu to dump it in cold storage.

According to the Bill, any expression which is made, published or circulated in words, either spoken or written or by signs or by visible representations or through electronic communication or otherwise, in public view, with an intention to cause injury, disharmony or feelings of enmity or hatred or ill-will against person alive or dead, class or group of persons or community, to meet any prejudicial interest, is hate speech.

The bill seeks at least seven years jail term and a maximum penalty of Rs one lakh.

The bill was passed by both the Houses during the winter session in Belagavi and was sent to Gehlot towards the end of December 2025.

Speaking to reporters here, Parameshwara said the Governor has questioned 28 points in bill and has referred it to the President.

"If the President sends back to us with her observations, then we will do something and send it again (for gubernatorial assent)," he said.

The minister explained that the bill was brought consciously and not just like that.

"We have freedom of speech, but that does not mean that one can say anything. We have to see how it impacts our society. Hence, the bill was introduced," he sought to know.

According to him, there were instances of hate speech, which made the government think of bringing a law.

Targeting the BJP, he said, "If you (BJP) still say that this is not proper, then what are your motives? Should it mean that anyone can abuse anyone? Should we allow any disturbance in society?"

He alleged that the Governor wants this bill is never implemented.

"In my opinion, the Governor has intentionally referred it to the President, so that it does not come into effect. He wants it to be shelved forever," Parameshwara said.

When reporters asked him that the same is happening in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, he said, "Let's see what happens in the coming days. I think things will improve."