Killarahatti illness outbreak: Minister promises action

KOPPAL

District In-charge Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi has assured that appropriate action will be taken following reports of a mass illness in Killarahatti Thanda of Kushtagi taluk, Koppal district. He stated that the incident, where hundreds of people fell seriously ill after allegedly consuming contaminated water, had not come to his attention earlier, but he would now seek a full report from the Chief Executive Officer of the Zilla Panchayat.

“I will gather information immediately and ensure medical treatment and monitoring of the affected people is carried out effectively,” the minister said. The sick residents were rushed to hospitals in Gangavathi, prompting local panic and concern over water safety in rural areas.

Minister Tangadagi also addressed broader political issues during his statement. Commenting on the controversy involving actor Kamal Haasan and Kannada sentiments, he urged unity among Kannadigas on issues concerning language, land, and water. He added, “We will observe the stance taken by cinema owners and producers and consult the Film Board if needed.”

On national politics, he accused the Central Government of targeting only Congress leaders through Enforcement Directorate (ED) actions. “Is the ED meant only for Congress? The BJP government uses it to intimidate our leaders, but we are not afraid. We fought the British, and we will face this too,” he declared.

Tangadagi emphasized that while immediate action will follow expert reports on the Killarahatti incident, all agencies must work together to uphold public health and justice, particularly in vulnerable rural communities.