CM Vijay condemns killing of 3 Tamil men in Karnataka forest firing

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has condemned the killing of three Tamilians who were allegedly suspected to be poachers by Karnataka Forest Department officials, calling the department’s explanation of the incident “unacceptable”. Vijay on Sunday demanded a high-level inquiry into the incident and punishment for those responsible. The DMK, CPI, CPM, PMK and MMK also condemned the and demanded a fair probe.He demanded that a high-level inquiry committee be constituted and that appropriate punishment be awarded to those found guilty. He also urged the Karnataka government to provide all necessary assistance to the victims’ families and take appropriate measures to ensure that such an incident does not recur.
According to information, Anthony Sami, John Rose Peter and Kumar, were shot dead in the Hanur taluk of Karnataka’s Chamarajanagar district in the early hours of August 15. A fourth man, Mahima Das, reportedly escaped and was later taken to hospital with injuries. The Karnataka Forest Department and Home Minister maintained that it was an anti-poaching operation and the men were carrying guns and deer meat, but the victims’ families and the survivor disputed the claim, stating that the men were farmers.
Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, while talking to reportrs in Kodagu, said,"I have already said that a judicial inquiry should also be conducted at a magistrate level. I have also said that there should be a proper response and appropriate action. Regarding what compensation can be given to them and how much can be given, give me a report on that. Definitely, compensation will be provided"

“Ordered for judicial enquiry, asked for reports on the amount of compensation to be given to the families.”

- Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar on 3 alleged poachers gunned down by forest personnel near Chamarajanagar forest pic.twitter.com/Z5DW0ZpZKg

— News Arena India (@NewsArenaIndia) August 16, 2026

Karnataka Minister Ramalinga Reddy said, "In the reserve forest that comes under Hanur Taluk, Shagyam Division, Hale-Muri, Datti, Chikkanallur, four people were carrying a gun without a license. Now the Chief Minister ordered a magisterial inquiry. After an inquiry, the actual position will be known," he said.