Villagers unhappy with disrepute

The villagers of Sulvadi, in Hanur taluk of Chamarajanagar district, are unhappy as their village has been in the news for all the wrong reasons.

The village was in focus as 11 people died after consuming prasada laced with pesticides, at a local temple, on Friday.

According to the police, a feud between local people over the management of the temple resulted in the inhuman incident.

“Although the village has a population of different religions, we have been leading a peaceful life. Our place was popular among the people of Karnataka as well as Tamil Nadu for the power of Devi Maramma. But, now, because of a few people, our native place is in the news for the wrong reasons. Whoever may be guilty, it’s a shame on us,” says Appu, a villager.

Ramesh, another villager, said, this is the first such incident that has been reported in the temple.

“Such things should not repeat. Though there were some misunderstandings between people earlier, they would resolve them amicably. The incident has dented the image of the village,” he said.

A large number of people from neighbouring villages visited the temple on Saturday even though it was closed. Vasumati, a visitor said, “We believe in Devi Maramma. We can’t stop visiting or worshipping her due to the fault of some inhuman people. The Devi will take care of the people behind the inhuman act.”

Following the incident, the police locked the temple on Saturday.