Chamarajanagar: The Police officials, probing the case of Kichuguth Sulwadi Maramma Temple prasadam poisoning case have submitted a 6,163-page chargesheet before the Principal District and Sessions Court.

Over 17 persons were killed and more than 120 fell ill after consuming the prasadam laced with pesticide on Dec.14, 2018 at Maramma Temple in Sulwadi.

Kollegal DySP Puttamadaiah, who is also an Investigation Officer in the case, has submitted the voluminous chargesheet after recording the statements of 322 witnesses, including the people who fell sick after consuming the poison, temple trustees, government doctors and villagers. The Police officers have provided evidence against the accused before the Court.

Salur Mutt Junior Pontiff 52-year-old Immadi Mahadevaswamy alias Devanna Buddhi, 35-year-old Ambika, Secretary of Maramma Temple, her husband 46-year-old Madesha, who is the temple manager, and temple priest 35-year-old Doddaiah Tambadi are the accused in the case.

Cases have been booked under IPC Sections 302 (murder), 307 (attempt to murder), 120 B (conspiracy) and Section 118 (endangering the lives of others). The Police cracked the case within four days and arrested four accused in connection with the case.

The tragic incident has triggered demands by local elected representatives for the Government to take over the temple affairs from the private trust in charge of its administration. The Forest Department is also keen on shutting the temple down or restricting its activities arguing that the temple and the Sulwadi village are located in the Male Mahadeshwara Reserve Forest area in violation of the Wildlife Conservation Act.