Chamarajanagar, August 19, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The use of suspected gelatin explosives to target anti-poaching camps in Karnataka’s Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary has raised concerns over the safety of forest personnel, days after three alleged poachers were killed in a forest encounter near Hanur.
The blasts reportedly occurred on August 15, the same day news of the deaths emerged, but the incident came to light only three days later.
According to forest officials, unidentified miscreants targeted anti-poaching camps at Holemurudatti, Minchinarehalla and Nala Boli in the sanctuary. Gelatin sticks were allegedly used in the attacks.
Forest personnel narrowly escaped a major incident as no officials were present at the camps when the explosions took place, following the shootout.
Officials said one anti-poaching camp was attacked using gelatin sticks, while seven other such camps were allegedly vandalised by unidentified persons. The developments have heightened concerns among forest staff operating in the sanctuary.
Authorities are investigating whether the attacks were connected to the recent Hanur encounter and are also working to identify those responsible. There are also questions over whether alleged poachers from Tamil Nadu could have been involved.
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, speaking in Bengaluru on Wednesday, confirmed that he had received information about the incidents and said Forest Minister Ramalinga Reddy was supervising the investigation.
“I have also received some information. The Forest Minister is overseeing the investigation. I will not make any comments at this stage. We will provide details once the report is submitted,” Shivakumar said when asked about the alleged use of gelatin sticks and possible involvement of poachers from Tamil Nadu.
On the Hanur shootout, the Chief Minister said: “A thorough investigation into the Hanur shootout case is currently underway, and we will comment once the investigation is completed.”
The blasts have added to tensions in the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary following the deaths of the three alleged poachers and prompted renewed focus on security arrangements for anti-poaching teams deployed in the forest.
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