Chamarajanagar
The Karnataka government is reportedly considering reactivating the Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) following a blast at a forest department anti-poaching camp near Hanur in Chamarajanagar district. Authorities are also considering handing over the investigation into the blast to the ANF, according to sources.
The development comes amid the ongoing investigation into the death of three people in a firing incident involving forest department personnel near Hanur. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is currently probing the matter based on a magisterial inquiry report and has formed four separate teams to investigate four related cases.
The possibility of reviving the ANF has emerged after investigators reportedly found indications of the involvement of a pro-Naxal organisation called Tiger of Justice during the Hanur investigation. The ANF had earlier been shut down after Naxal activities in Karnataka became largely inactive.
According to sources, the Home Department is now considering reactivating the force in view of the recent developments. Central security agencies are also reportedly collecting information about the blast. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) could potentially take up the case if further investigation reveals a wider security dimension.
The blast involved the use of gelatin sticks at an anti-poaching camp. Investigators are trying to determine how the explosives reached the accused and who supplied them. Officials are examining the possibility of handing over the case to the ANF or NIA after the ongoing CID investigation.
Meanwhile, CID teams have intensified their probe. One team is collecting records and information from forest personnel, while another is examining details available at police stations. Investigators have obtained records related to disputes registered at Ramapura and Hanur police stations and are examining details of the gelatin-stick blast case.
The CID is also looking into earlier cases registered against the deceased, their family members and local residents. The investigation team has met Chamarajanagar Superintendent of Police Muthuraj and sought assistance required for the probe.
The reported move to reactivate the ANF has added a new dimension to the investigation, although no final decision on handing over the blast case to the force or NIA has been officially announced.
