CM blames BJP for spreading hate after poison plot to oust Muslim HM in Belagavi school
Siddaramaiah says communal forces sow hatred for politics; calls poisoning a communal hate crime
Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has expressed deep shock over the poisoning of drinking water at a government school in Belagavi district, which he said was an attempt to force the transfer of a Muslim headmaster. Condemning the act as a manifestation of rising communal hatred, the CM called on BJP leaders to introspect and reject politics of hatred.
The disturbing incident occurred in Hulikatti village of Savadatti taluk, where poison was reportedly mixed into the drinking water meant for schoolchildren. The accused, including Sagar Patil, taluk president of the Sri Rama Sene and two others, allegedly wanted the Muslim headmaster removed from the school.
"Even now, I cannot believe that such cruelty and hatred could arise in the land of the Sharanas," Siddaramaiah said. "What kind of society have we become where children are targeted in the name of religion?"
The CM linked the incident to a larger political agenda. “BJP leaders who sow seeds of hatred in the name of religion to reap political benefit must engage in serious self-reflection,” he stated, adding, “Will Pramod Muthalik, Vijayendra, or R. Ashoka take responsibility for such heinous acts?”
The incident, which happened nearly two weeks ago, left several students unwell, though no fatalities occurred, thanks to immediate medical intervention. Siddaramaiah praised the police for uncovering the alleged plot in time and preventing what could have been a "massacre of innocent children."
"This is clear proof of how religious fundamentalism and communalism can lead to the most heinous crimes," the CM said.
Reiterating the government's commitment to fight hate speech and communal violence, Siddaramaiah said a special task force has already been established to monitor and act against such threats. “We are taking all possible legal steps against those responsible,” he assured.
He concluded with a call to citizens: "If our efforts to stop such forces are to succeed, the public too must raise their voice, resist, and file complaints. I still believe that the number of people who want to live in harmony far outweighs those driven by hate."
The Chief Minister expressed full faith in the judicial system and assured that justice will be served.
ಬೆಳಗಾವಿ ಜಿಲ್ಲೆಯ ಸವದತ್ತಿ ತಾಲೂಕಿನ ಹೂಲಿಕಟ್ಟಿ ಗ್ರಾಮದ ಸರ್ಕಾರಿ ಶಾಲೆಯ ಮುಖ್ಯೋಪಾಧ್ಯಾಯರು ಮುಸ್ಲಿಂ ಸಮುದಾಯಕ್ಕೆ ಸೇರಿದವರು, ಅವರನ್ನು ತಮ್ಮ ಊರಿನಿಂದ ಬೇರೆಡೆಗೆ ವರ್ಗಾವಣೆ ಮಾಡಿಸಬೇಕೆಂಬ ದುರುದ್ದೇಶದಿಂದ ಶಾಲಾಮಕ್ಕಳ ಕುಡಿಯುವ ನೀರಿಗೆ ವಿಷ ಹಾಕಿದ ಶ್ರೀರಾಮ ಸೇನೆಯ ತಾಲೂಕು ಅಧ್ಯಕ್ಷ ಸಾಗರ ಪಾಟೀಲ ಸೇರಿದಂತೆ ಒಟ್ಟು ಮೂವರನ್ನು…
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) August 3, 2025
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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.
