2 arrested over suspected prasad poisoning

BENGALURU: A day after 11 died and 40 others fell ill after consuming “prasad” at a temple in Karnataka's Chamrajnagar district, officials have arrested two people. District in-charge Puttaranga Shetty said, “Whoever may be the culprit, action will be taken against them. Police investigating the case and already arrested two persons.” The food was offered to devotees, who had gathered for the foundation stone laying ceremony for construction of the Maramma temple at Sulivadi village. Police said at least 11 people died in hospitals after developing symptoms of severe food poisoning. People began vomiting soon after consuming the prasad, writhing in pain. Nearly 200 people were gathered for the event. Some of them even reportedly said the food reeked of kerosene. Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy visited patients at hospitals on Friday and announced an ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh to the kin of the deceased. Describing the incident as unfortunate, he assured that the Chamrajanagar health administration is being provided with medical help at the earliest.