Vijay Seeks Probe Into Karnataka Forest Firing
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has condemned the shooting of three Tamil men by Karnataka Forest Department personnel in the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, rejecting the official explanation surrounding the incident and demanding a high-level, impartial investigation.
Vijay Seeks Probe Into Karnataka Forest Firing
The three men, identified as Antony Sami, John Rose Peter and Kumar, were residents of villages in Hanur taluk of Karnataka’s Chamarajanagar district.
They were killed during an anti-poaching operation in the early hours of August 15. Vijay described the deaths as deeply disturbing and said the explanation offered by Karnataka forest authorities was unacceptable.
He called for a high-level inquiry into the incident and demanded appropriate action against anyone found responsible after the investigation.
Karnataka Says Suspects Fired at Forest Staff
Karnataka authorities have maintained that forest personnel acted after receiving information about suspected poaching inside the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary.
Officials allege that members of the group opened fire on forest personnel, prompting retaliatory firing in which the three men were killed.
Authorities also said firearms and two bags containing wild-animal meat were recovered following the incident. One member of the group allegedly escaped. These claims remain part of the official version and are subject to investigation.
Karnataka Orders Inquiry Into Three Deaths
The Karnataka government has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident and said further action will be based on the findings.
The state has also indicated that compensation will be provided to the families of the deceased, with details expected to be finalised separately.
Vijay has called for necessary assistance to be extended to the families while pressing for an impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the firing.
