Karnataka forest firing: Three suspected poachers killed, Hanur tense after office ransacked

Tension prevailed in Hanur in Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka on August 15 after a group of people allegedly ransacked the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary office following the death of three suspected poachers in an exchange of fire with forest personnel inside the forest. The incident occurred late on August 14 night in the Holemuradatti forest in Shagya limits under the Hanur Wildlife Division.

The deceased have been identified as Anthonyswamy, Peter and Kumar. According to reports reaching Mysuru, a group of six suspected poachers allegedly opened fire at forest personnel on night patrol when they were told to surrender. The group was suspected of killing a wild animal. Forest personnel allegedly retaliated, killing three of the suspects. While two died on the spot, another succumbed to his injuries while being taken to a hospital in Kollegal. A Forest Department personnel was also injured in the incident.

The incident sparked outrage among local villagers and well-wishers of the deceased. On August 15, a large number of people gathered outside the sanctuary office and allegedly damaged the department's name board and other property. The protest prompted police to deploy personnel at the premises as a precautionary measure. Three platoons of reserve police have been stationed in Hanur to prevent any untoward incident.

The Holemuradatti forest is part of the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected area known for its rich biodiversity. The sanctuary spans parts of Chamarajanagar and Mandya districts and is home to species such as elephants, tigers, leopards, and various deer. Poaching is a serious offence under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and forest officials routinely conduct night patrols to prevent illegal hunting and timber smuggling.

The exact circumstances surrounding the exchange of fire are yet to be officially confirmed. The forest department has not issued a detailed statement, and the police are conducting an inquiry into both the encounter and the subsequent vandalism. Authorities have urged calm and appealed to the public to allow the legal process to take its course.

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by forest personnel in protecting wildlife in Karnataka. Encounters between suspected poachers and forest staff have occurred in the past, often leading to tensions in surrounding communities. The district administration has promised a thorough investigation into the matter, while also emphasising the need to maintain law and order.

Local residents have expressed grief over the deaths, with some questioning the use of force. Meanwhile, wildlife activists have stressed the importance of lawful procedures and the need to protect forest personnel who risk their lives to combat poaching. The police have appealed for peace and assured that all aspects of the incident will be examined impartially.