Bengaluru, August 15, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Three alleged wildlife hunters were killed in a gunfight with Forest Department personnel in the Shagya forest area of Karnataka’s Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary in Chamarajanagar district on Saturday, prompting protests and demands for a probe into the circumstances of the deaths.
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has ordered a magistrate-led inquiry, saying the complete facts would be established only after a detailed investigation.
The deceased were identified as Antoniswamy, John Peter and Savariyappan. The Forest Department claimed that four bags containing deer meat were recovered from the spot.
According to Forest Minister Ramalinga Reddy, four people had allegedly entered the forest with country-made firearms and were hunting wildlife through the night. Forest personnel Shekharappa, Rohith and Shivraj reportedly intercepted them while they were carrying deer meat.
Reddy said the group was allegedly carrying two unlicensed country-made guns and attempted to attack the forest personnel, following which firing took place. Three of the alleged hunters were killed, while the fourth person, identified as Mahim Das, reportedly escaped.
The incident has, however, triggered anger among the families of the deceased and local residents, who have disputed the Forest Department’s account. Residents alleged that the three men had been apprehended by forest personnel before being killed.
Tensions subsequently escalated, with protesters reportedly damaging Forest Department property and attacking the office of the sub-range forest officer.
Chief Minister Shivakumar said the government had received information about the incident and that the firearms allegedly carried by the deceased had been seized. He added that the bodies were being examined.
“The magistrate will conduct an inquiry. After the investigation, we will inform the people of the remaining details,” Shivakumar said.
Reddy said the government would consider action against the Forest Department personnel after receiving the interim inquiry report. The question of compensation for the families of the deceased would also be examined based on the findings.
The conflicting accounts of the encounter have intensified scrutiny of the incident, with the magistrate inquiry expected to establish how the deaths occurred.
FOLLOW NOW
