A shocking case of workplace rivalry has emerged from Brazil’s Goias state, where a textile worker has been accused of poisoning her colleague’s drink after a heated dispute over a promotion.

The incident took place last month at a textile factory in Abadia de Goias, a town in the Goiânia Metropolitan Region. According to authorities, the 38-year-old suspect was caught on CCTV tampering with a co-worker’s water bottle. Moments later, the victim took a sip and immediately felt a burning sensation in her throat.

Alarmed by the reaction, she called for medical help and was rushed to the hospital, where doctors confirmed she had ingested a highly potent solvent. Experts stated that if she had consumed a larger amount, the poisoning could have been fatal.

From friends to rivals

Investigators revealed that the two women were once friends, but their relationship soured after the victim received a promotion—one that the suspect believed was unfair. Tensions escalated over time, with frequent arguments between them.

Police also discovered that the suspect had unlawfully accessed a restricted management area where the company stored its chemical products. This is believed to be how she obtained the toxic solvent used in the poisoning attempt.

CCTV footage

Authorities arrested the suspect on February 27th after reviewing security footage, which clearly showed her tampering with the victim’s water bottle. Upon questioning, she reportedly admitted to the act, stating it followed an argument between them.

The woman is now facing charges of attempted aggravated homicide, a crime that carries a potential prison sentence of 6 to 20 years in Brazil.

This shocking case is eerily similar to an incident last year in which a woman poisoned her pregnant co-worker’s drink to prevent her from taking maternity leave.