BENGALURU
Karnataka Forest Minister Ramalinga Reddy shared crucial details regarding the fatal shootout involving forest department personnel in the Chamarajanagar forest. Speaking to the press in Bengaluru, Reddy confirmed that three individuals lost their lives during a gunfight in the Holedatti forest area of Hanur taluk. He noted that Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has ordered a magisterial inquiry, assuring that further administrative action and decisions regarding family compensation will follow the interim report.
According to the minister, the incident unfolded overnight when patrol staff identified as Shekharappa, Rohit, and Shivaraj intercepted a group allegedly hunting wildlife and transporting deer meat. Reddy stated that the suspects carried two unlicensed rifles and attempted to attack the personnel, prompting an exchange of gunfire. The clash resulted in the deaths of three men, namely Antoniswamy, John Peter, and Savariappan, while a fourth suspect, Mahim Das, managed to escape. Authorities also seized four bags of venison from the scene.
The official account contrasts sharply with claims from local villagers and grieving family members, who maintain that the victims were innocent farmers rather than poachers. The controversy has sparked local outrage, with demonstrations leading to damage at the Hanur Forest Department office and heavy security deployment in the area.
Minister Reddy emphasized that accountability and transparency remain top priorities for the state administration. He assured the public that any appropriate action against department staff will be determined strictly based on judicial findings.
