The death toll in the food poisoning incident at a temple in Chamarajnagar district has gone up to 14, with traces of substances dangerous to human beings found in the 'prasad' (offering) served to the affected, Deputy chief minister G Parameshwara said Monday.
Samples of prasad were collected and sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory and traces of monocrotophos and organophosphate that are dangerous to human beings have been found in the food, deputy chief minister G Parameshwara said.
Parameshwara, who holds the Home portfolio, told the assembly session in Belagavi that seven people had been taken into custody in connection with the incident, adding that some had left the village and search was on for them.
"Who did it, the motive behind will come out, and the investigation is on..I believe in one or two days, truth will come out," he said.
Noting that prasad served at temples are considered very sacred in Hindu belief, Parameshwara said the incident at the Kichchugutti Maramma temple in Sulvadi village during the groundbreaking ceremony for the temple tower on Friday was "painful."
Intervening, Opposition BJP leader B S Yeddyurappa said it looks like a "planned conspiracy."