MYSURU: As many as 11 people, including a 15-year-old girl, died while over 80 others were taken ill on Friday after they consumed food served at an event at Sulvadi Kichchugutti Maramma temple in
Karnataka's Hanur.
Police have detained two people following the incident. The devotees have been admitted to various hospitals in Kamagere, Kollegal and Mysuru.
The district health officer said that poison might have gotten mixed with the 'prasad', leading to the tragedy.
"We have collected the samples and sent it to a laboratory for investigation," he told reporters. The condition of 12 people was critical and they have been taken to Mysuru for treatment
According to police, the foundation laying ceremony of Maramma temple was organised Thursday morning and prasad was distributed after the function.
Sulvadi Kichchugutti Maramma temple
Sulvadi Kichchugutti Maramma templeMost of those who attended the event followed the 'Om Shakti' tradition. After consuming the prasad, people started vomitting and began writhing in stomach pain, police said.
Commotion prevailed as people hurried to nearby hospitals for treatment. Police rushed to the spot, as also district authorities, to provide medical aid.
Expressing shock over the incident, chief minister H D Kumaraswamy said he has directed the authorities to make all arrangements for the treatment of the affected people.
People said they could smell kerosene oil in the prasad, but ignored it.
The government has announced compensation of Rs five lakh to the kin of each of the deceased.
Chief minister HD Kumaraswamy is expected to meet the people being treated at hospitals.