Hanur (Chamarajanagar): Six years have passed since the Sulwadi Maramma Temple (Kichguth Maramma Temple) prasadam poisoning tragedy claimed 17 lives in Chamarajanagar District and left the nation in shock.

The families of the deceased still grieve, revisiting the graves of their loved ones and recalling the horror of that fateful day.

On Dec. 14, 2018, 17 people from Bidarahalli, M.G. Doddi, and Martalli lost their lives, and over 150 others fell seriously ill after consuming poison-laced prasadam at the temple. Survivors continue to grapple with multi-organ ailments, frequently visiting hospitals for treatment.

On that ill-fated day, hundreds of devotees were poisoned after consuming prasadam laced with insecticide. Among the 17 who died were five women and two children. Over 100 others survived after receiving intensive treatment at various hospitals.

The subsequent Police investigation revealed that the poisoning was a deliberate act. Salur Mutt Junior Pontiff Immadi Mahadevaswamy, along with three accomplices — Madesh, Ambika and Doddaiah — was arrested for allegedly orchestrating the crime. Reports suggested the junior pontiff carried out the heinous act to settle a personal enmity with the senior pontiff.

After the incident, the State Government took over the temple under Section 42 of the Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowment Act 1997.