Bengaluru, December 15: Two people were arrested after 11 people lost their lives after consuming prasad (religious food offering) at a temple in Karnataka's Chamarajanagar district on Friday. Tomato rice offered as prasad was distributed after a puja at the Maramma temple in Sulvadi village. A devotee also said they were given tomato rice and flavoured water.

"Doctors think the toxin could be a pesticide," a police officer told NDTV. Puttaranga Shetty, the minister in charge of Chamarajanagar, said a dispute between two groups could be the reason for poisoning. "Whoever may be the culprit, action will be taken against them. Police are investigating the case and have already arrested two people. There was some dispute between two groups. I think something has happened," Shetty told news agency ANI. Delhi: 30 Students Fall Ill After Consuming Mid-Day Meal at State Government School in Narela.

After consuming prasad, several people complained of vomiting, diarrhoea and respiratory distress. Due to an insufficient number of ventilators, patients were spread out across government and private hospitals in Mysuru.  Around 65 others, all devotees of Goddess Maramma, were admitted to three state-run hospitals at Hanur, Kollagal and Mysuru for treatment. Many crows have also been found dead, reportedly after eating the prasad.

Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, who visited patients in hospital on Friday night, announced Rs 5 lakh compensation to the kin of the deceased. Former chief minister Siddaramaiah also met the patients in hospital today. An investigation was underway to ascertain how the toxic substance entered the food.

Maramma is considered an incarnation of Hindu Goddess Durga, who is worshipped for blessings on Fridays before doing anything auspicious.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 15, 2018 12:32 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).