Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Condemns Shooting of 3 Tamil-Origin Men in Karnataka Forest, Demands Full Inquiry

By Political Bureau | Bangalore Mail

Published: August 17, 2026

Chennai — A major political and inter-state row has erupted following the killing of three men of Tamil origin by forest officials in Karnataka’s Chamarajanagar district. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has strongly condemned the incident, questioning the official narrative provided by Karnataka authorities and demanding a transparent, thorough investigation.

The incident took place in the early hours of August 15, 2026, within the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary area. According to local forest officials, a team had entered the sanctuary following specific inputs regarding active poaching in the region. Officials claimed that an encounter ensued when a group of suspected poachers opened fire on forest staff, prompting retaliatory action that left three men dead while one escaped.

The deceased have been identified as Antony Swamy, John Rose Peter, and Kumar—all Tamils residing in villages located within Hanur taluk in Karnataka’s Chamarajanagar district.

Vijay Calls Forest Department’s Explanation “Unacceptable”

Taking to social media platform X, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay expressed deep grief over the deaths and hit out at the initial account provided by the local authorities.

“Anthony Sami, John Rose Peter, and Kumar, who were Tamils residing in villages in the Hanur taluk of Chamarajanagar district in Karnataka, were shot dead by Karnataka Forest Department officials in the early hours of August 15, 2026, in the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary area. I strongly condemn this,” Vijay stated.

Labeling the justification provided by the Karnataka Forest Department as unacceptable, Vijay urged the Karnataka state leadership to step in immediately, ensure justice, and provide financial relief and support to the bereaved families.

Karnataka Govt Orders Magisterial Inquiry

Addressing the incident, Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar stated that he was briefed by senior forest department personnel shortly after the incident on Saturday morning.

Shivakumar confirmed that weapons and two bags containing wild animal meat were seized from the scene by enforcement teams. “One person managed to escape. The suspects had fired at our forest staff on duty,” the Chief Minister noted, adding that a formal magisterial inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the exact sequence of events. He also indicated that financial compensation would be extended to the affected families once details are finalized.

Opposition Demands Judicial Probe

The incident has also sparked sharp political reactions within Karnataka. Leader of the Opposition R. Ashok criticized the handling of the encounter, pointing out that forest officials should aim below the waist during enforcement operations rather than firing lethal shots. Accusing local officials of presenting a distorted report, the BJP leadership has demanded a comprehensive judicial inquiry into the deaths.

As post-mortem examinations and forensic procedures continue, the situation remains tense along the border belt, with political leaders on both sides monitoring developments closely.