Vijay condemns killing of 3 Tamils in Karnataka, calls Forest Department’s explanation ‘unacceptable’

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has strongly condemned the killing of three Tamil men allegedly suspected of poaching by Karnataka Forest Department personnel, calling the department’s explanation of the incident “unacceptable” and demanding an impartial, high-level probe.

The three men — Anthony Sami, John Rose Peter and Kumar — were residents of villages in Hanur taluk of Karnataka’s Chamarajanagar district. According to Vijay, they were shot dead by Forest Department officials in the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary area in the early hours of August 15.

In a statement shared by his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) on X, Vijay said the incident was “heartbreaking” and demanded that those responsible be held accountable.

“The explanation provided by the Karnataka Forest Department regarding this incident is unacceptable,” Vijay said, calling for an “honest investigation” into the deaths.

He urged the Karnataka government to constitute a high-level investigation committee, take appropriate action against those found responsible and provide all necessary assistance to the victims’ families. He also called for measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Protests erupt in Chamarajanagar

Protests were held in Chamarajanagar and Mysuru on Sunday, with villagers and family members demanding justice for the three men who were killed in an alleged exchange of fire with Forest Department personnel on August 15.

Tension prevailed in Hanur as protesters gathered in the Datti forest area and expressed anger against Forest Department officials. The protesters blocked the road leading to Male Mahadeshwara Betta and demanded action against the personnel involved in the shooting.

Political parties in Tamil Nadu, including the DMK and PMK, also claimed that the three victims were Tamils and questioned the Forest Department’s assertion that they were poachers.

Protesters demanded that the forest personnel who opened fire be brought to the spot and questioned. Visuals showed pushing and jostling between protesters and police as security was tightened in the area.

Villagers also questioned the Forest Department’s authority to shoot the men, arguing that even if they had entered the forest to hunt, they should not have been killed.