Lab confirms prasada had pesticides; death toll 14

The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report has confirmed that the prasada distributed at the Sulvadi temple was laced with pesticides.

IGP (Southern Range) K V Sharath Chandra told reporters here on Monday that ‘organophosphorus’, a pesticide, was found in samples taken from the bodies of the victims as per the lab report.

The IGP said the police were investigating the case and had taken several people into custody. “We have obtained clues about the suspects,” he said.

The death toll in the case rose to 14, as a woman who had consumed the prasada died at JSS Hospital here on Monday.

Myli Bai (35) of Marthalli in Hanur taluk of Chamarajanagar district is the victim. The woman’s husband Krishna Nayak had died on Friday, the day of the incident. The couple were daily wage workers and are survived by three
children.

The elder daughter Rani Bai is pursuing BSc in Maharani’s College in Mysuru, the younger one Priya Bai is pursuing BSc (Nursing) at a college in Bidadi. Their son Rajesh Nayak is in PUC.

Priya, who was taking care of her mother in the hospital, was inconsolable. Rani and Rajesh were at their native village to perform the final rites of their father.

District incharge Minister G T Devegowda said, “We (government) can only compensate the family members of the victims financially, but, is it possible to bring the victims back to life? I had spoken to the children on Sunday. I had also assured them of visiting their place to provide all necessary support. But their mother died today,” he said.

Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, who met Rani Bai at KR Hospital on Friday, had promised to take care of the survivors in the family.

The chief minister had directed Minor Irrigation Minister C S Puttaraju to take the necessary measures.

The other victims are recovering at hospitals in Mysuru. However, the condition of three of them is critical.

District Health Officer Dr B Basavaraju said 75% of the patients under treatment in Mysuru were responding well to treatment. “A total of 101 patients are undergoing treatment in various hospitals. The critical among them may recover in another 48 hours. Twenty four patients are on ventilator and 45 are in ICUs,” he said.

The poison deposits at places where fat is deposited after it mixes with blood. The consumer suffers from breathing problems, the DHO said.