Belagavi: SIO Karnataka condemns ‘communal conspiracy’ to target Muslim Headmaster
Bengaluru: The Karnataka unit of the Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIO) has condemned the alleged attempt to poison children at a government primary school in Belagavi district, calling it a shocking act driven by communal hatred aimed at removing a Muslim headmaster from his post.
In a statement released on Sunday, SIO Karnataka expressed concern over the incident that occurred at the Government Lower Primary School in Hoolikatti village of Savadatti taluk. The organisation said the poisoning of the school’s water tank was a “heinous conspiracy” intended to harm children and malign the headmaster, Suleman Gorinayak, solely because of his religious identity.
According to the statement, Gorinayak has been serving at the school for the past 13 years and was allegedly targeted in a deliberate effort to get him transferred. “This shameful act of attempting to kill 41 innocent children just to remove a Muslim headmaster is a disgrace to civil society,” said the statement. It noted that 12 children reportedly fell ill after consuming the contaminated water.
SIO said the incident is a dangerous reflection of how hatred and intolerance have taken root in society. “The fact that communal hatred has stooped to a level where innocent children’s lives are put at risk is extremely worrying,” it stated.
The organisation welcomed the police action in arresting the accused but urged the Karnataka government to take the matter seriously and ensure that strict legal action is taken. SIO further demanded exemplary punishment for those responsible so that such acts are never repeated.
It also called for proper medical care for the affected children and justice for their families.
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Smriti Mandhana named BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year for 2025
New Delhi (PTI): Star batter Smriti Mandhana, who played a pivotal role in India's historic 2025 Women's World Cup triumph, was named the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year for 2025 at a glittering function here on Monday.
Chess prodigy Divya Deshmukh won the Emerging Player of the Year award, for her historic FIDE Women's World Cup triumph at just 20.
Preethi Pal was named the Para-Sportswoman of the Year, for winning two bronze medals at the 2024 Paris Paralympics in track and field, while Anjali Bhagwat was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising her pioneering career as India's first woman shooter to reach an Olympic final and her trailblazing success on the world stage.
Mandhana, who is currently touring Australia with the Indian team for multi-format bilateral assignments, said in a video message: "Thank you BBC for giving me the awardfor Best Sportswoman of the Year. 2025 was a special year for women's cricket, especiallytowards the end we had a World Cup and I'm happy I could contribute and help India win matches.".
At 29, the left-handed batter is already among the game's greats, with the second-highest number of centuries in women's One Day Internationals and ranking third in total runsscored among current players worldwide.
Hailing from Sangli city in Maharashtra, the affable Mandhana was inspired by her father and brother, both of whom played cricket at the district level.
In September last year, she made a 50-ball hundred against Australia – the fastest 50 over international ton (men and women) by an Indian in the format, breaking Virat Kohli's record.
The award winners were decided by a distinguished grand jury comprising Leander Paes, Deepa Malik, and Anju Bobby George.
Praising the athletes' achievements CEO of BBC News, Jonathan Munro said: "Congratulations to this year's winners who showcase the very best in sporting excellence. The BBC World Service is committed to bringing such stories of human endeavour and outstanding success to audiences across India and around the world.".
Additionally, the ceremony also celebrated a wide spectrum of talent and impact, recognizing star performers and changemakers for redefining the landscape of Indian sport.
BBC Star Performers of the Year 202.
• Indian Women's Cricket Team: for their historic World Cup victory.
• Ekta Bhyan, Deepthi Jeevanji and Preethi Pal: for their trailblazing performances at the World Para Athletics Championship.
• Indian Women's Cricket Team for the Blind: for their inspiring World Cup victory.
• Indian Women's Kabaddi Team: for their smashing victory in World Cup.
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BBC Changemakers of the Year 202.
• Indian Women's Ice Hockey Team: for breaking barriers in a non-traditional sport.
• Rajbir Kaur: Indian field hockey player and former captain of the women’s national team.
• Savita Punia: Indian field hockey player and current member of the national team.
• Paani Devi: recognised for her impactful contribution to grassroots sport.
