Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary Firing: Forest Officials Booked After Three Men Killed

Chamarajanagar: Protests continued in Karnataka’s Chamarajanagar district after three men were killed in a firing incident involving forest personnel inside the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary on August 15.

The incident took place in the Hanur area of Chamarajanagar district during an alleged anti-poaching operation. According to the Forest Department, its personnel opened fire after suspected poachers allegedly pointed a firearm at them. The three men sustained bullet injuries and later died while being taken to hospital.

The deceased have been identified as Anthony Sami, John Rose Peter and Kumar. The victims were residents of villages in the Hanur area. A fourth person, Mahima Das, reportedly escaped and was later taken to hospital with injuries.

The incident has triggered protests by family members and villagers, who have questioned the circumstances surrounding the firing and demanded action against the forest personnel involved. Demonstrations were also held in Chamarajanagar and Mysuru, with protesters seeking justice for the victims.

The controversy has also taken on an inter-state dimension, with political leaders in Tamil Nadu questioning the Forest Department’s account of the incident. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay condemned the deaths and called for an impartial investigation into the firing.

Police have registered an FIR against the forest officials involved in the incident. The case was registered following a complaint from the family of one of the deceased, according to reports.

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident. Officials said the investigation would establish the circumstances leading to the firing, with witnesses being questioned and weapons and other material being examined.

The Forest Department has maintained that the firing took place during an anti-poaching operation and that its personnel acted after coming under threat. However, the families and protesters have disputed the official account and demanded an independent investigation.

The deaths have raised questions about the use of force during forest protection operations and the need for accountability when civilians are killed during such encounters.

The magisterial inquiry is expected to examine the sequence of events, the circumstances of the firing and the actions of the forest personnel involved. Further action will depend on the findings of the investigation.