A man and his son died while 45 others fell ill after drinking contaminated water at Maidolalu village in Bhadravati taluk on Sunday.

The deceased are Shivappa (75) and Hanumanthappa (35)

Three people Shivappa, Hanumanthappa and Siddamma were rushed to McGann in Shivamogga on Saturday as they fell ill after they consumed drinking water supplied through taps by the gram panchayat. Shivappa and Hanumanthappa died on Sunday as they did not respond to the treatment.

About 45 others, who fell ill after consuming the contaminated water were treated at private clinics and primya health centres. Twleve of them were shifted to McGann and Subbaiah hospitals in Shivamogga after their condition deteriorated.

The gram panchayat authorities have advised villagers to boil the water before drinking.

The water samples have been sent to a laboratory for a test.

District Health Officer Dr Hanumanthappa has directed the gram panchayat officers to clean the overhead tank through which drinking water is supplied in the village.

He has also directed them to supply the drinking water through tankers till a report from the laboratory about the contaminated water comes.

Villagers charged that the gram panchayat members did not clean the overhead tank in the last one year. They sought stern action against the authorities and sought compensation for the victims.

Over 20 students fall ill

More than 20 students of Rani Kitturu Channamma residential school at Hulikunte in Koratagere  taluk in Tumakuru district fell ill after consuming puliyogare for breakfast on Sunday.

The students, who complained of stomach ache and vomiting, were rushed to Koratagere government hospital.

The students had taken ill after eating puliyogare on Friday too, sources said.

DHO Dr Rangaswamy told DH, "The samples of drinking water and vomit have been sent to the laboratory. In the morning, 14 students were admitted to the hospital, of which six were discharged. The rest 8 students too have recovered and will be discharged soon."