At least nine die, 75 others ill after consuming ‘prasad’

Bengaluru, Dec 15: At least nine people, including a girl and a woman died while 75 RPT 75 others took ill Friday after consuming ‘prasad’ at a temple at Sulavadi village in Chamarajnagar district.

Health department officials said the condition of eight people being treated at a hospital in Mysuru was critical, they said.

     Expressing grief over the incident, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy announced a relief of Rs five lakh to the next to the kin of the deceased.

     Kumaraswamy also flew to Chamarajnagar by special plane from Belagavi.

        Two people from the temple management have been detained for questioning, said police sources.

    District Health Officer said the food samples have been collected and sent to a laboratory for investigation.

     According to police, the foundation laying ceremony of Maramma temple was organised Friday morning and prasad was distributed after the function.