Karnataka Man Poisons Neighbor's Family Meal with Toxic Datura Plant Over Long-Standing Feud

Chowdareddy made a visit to the house shortly before lunchtime.

In a peaceful village near Bagepalli in Karnataka, what should have been a normal family lunch swiftly transformed into a serious health crisis.

On Friday afternoon, eight family members were hastily transported to the hospital after experiencing severe vomiting and dizziness following their lunch. Three victims remain in critical condition, currently requiring ventilator support. Later that evening, as one of the girls regained consciousness, she provided crucial information suggesting deliberate poisoning.

According to the girl's testimony, a familiar individual named Chowdareddy had visited their residence just before mealtime. She stated that he approached the children outside, expressing his desire for water. He subsequently entered the house and remained in the kitchen for several minutes.

The girl later informed police that when she went to check on him, she observed him drinking water before his departure.

This information prompted police to initiate an investigation.

Based on this testimony, authorities detained Chowdareddy for interrogation.

During questioning, Chowdareddy admitted that he had intentionally entered the kitchen to contaminate the family's meal. He confessed that he acted under instructions from a neighbor named Papireddy, who allegedly harbored long-term animosity toward the family.

Police investigations revealed that the two men had conspired to poison the family's food, apparently motivated by a bitter, years-long dispute.

Papireddy, whose residence is adjacent to the victims', had ongoing conflicts with the family regarding drainage and various neighborhood matters. The situation had escalated dramatically two years prior, resulting in both parties filing police complaints after a verbal disagreement turned physical.

Investigators initially discovered a pesticide container at the residence, but further interrogation revealed that the accused had used the poisonous Datura plant to contaminate the 'sambar' served during lunch.

Chikkaballapur SP Kushal Chouksey, who personally visited the village to assess the situation, stated, "Our investigation has uncovered a deeply disturbing, premeditated act. The accused exploited the family's trust. Both individuals have been arrested, and a comprehensive investigation continues. Our primary concern is ensuring the victims receive all necessary medical assistance."

Both Papireddy and Chowdareddy have been taken into police custody, and authorities are working to confirm the exact nature of the toxic substance used.