In a shocking incident that has stunned a small Karnataka community, a 35-year-old man allegedly poisoned eight members of his neighbor's family in a calculated act of revenge. The brutal attack occurred in Kallenahalli village of Chitradurga district, exposing the deadly consequences of long-standing enmity between two families.
The Deadly Poisoning Incident
The accused, identified as Basavaraju, allegedly mixed poison into the food of his neighbor's family on the evening of June 23. The victims, all members of the same household, began experiencing severe symptoms shortly after consuming the contaminated meal.
According to police reports, the affected family includes eight individuals ranging from children to adults. The victims were immediately rushed to a local hospital where they received emergency medical treatment. Medical authorities confirmed that all eight family members had been poisoned, though their current conditions vary.
Background of the Family Feud
Investigations reveal that the poisoning was not a random act but the culmination of long-standing hostility between the two families. Police sources indicate that Basavaraju had been nursing grievances against his neighbors for an extended period, though the exact nature of the dispute hasn't been fully disclosed.
The tension between the families had been simmering for months, with occasional confrontations that had previously drawn police attention. Local residents described the relationship between the two households as increasingly strained, though none anticipated such a violent escalation.
Police Investigation and Arrest
Chitradurga police acted swiftly upon receiving information about the mass poisoning. Investigators quickly identified Basavaraju as the prime suspect and took him into custody within hours of the incident.
During interrogation, the accused reportedly confessed to deliberately poisoning the family's food. Police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and are conducting a thorough investigation to uncover all aspects of the crime.
Authorities have seized evidence from the scene, including food samples and the container believed to have held the poisonous substance. Forensic analysis is underway to determine the exact type of poison used in the attack.
Community Reaction and Aftermath
The incident has sent shockwaves through Kallenahalli village, with residents expressing disbelief at the extreme nature of the attack. Many described both families as long-time residents of the community who had coexisted despite their differences.
Local authorities have assured the public that the situation is under control and that there's no further threat to community safety. However, the case has highlighted the need for better conflict resolution mechanisms in rural communities.
As the investigation continues, police are examining whether there were any warning signs that could have prevented the tragedy. The case serves as a grim reminder of how unresolved disputes can escalate into deadly violence, devastating multiple families in the process.