Protests began in Karnataka’s Chamarajanagar and Mysuru on Sunday following the fatal shooting of three men, who allegedly engaged in poaching, during an encounter with Forest Department officials in the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary. The incident has led to significant unrest, with local residents and family members of the deceased demanding accountability from the authorities involved.

In Hanur, Chamarajanagar district, villagers gathered in the Datti forest area, expressing their anger towards the Forest Department. They blocked access to Male Mahadeshwara Betta, insisting that the personnel who fired upon the men should be summoned and questioned. Reports indicated scuffles between law enforcement and demonstrators as heavy security was deployed in response to the escalating tension.

The confrontation occurred early on Saturday when Forest personnel, acting on intelligence about suspected poachers, encountered four individuals in a dense forest area. Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar later stated that officials recovered firearms and bags of meat, allegedly from wild animals, while noting that one individual managed to flee the scene.

Community Demands Justice And Compensation

During the protest, villagers raised critical questions regarding the shooting, arguing that lethal force should not have been necessary. Protesters contended that the officials could have incapacitated the suspects without resorting to fatal measures. “They should have shot them in the hand or leg. Instead, they shot all three in the neck and killed them. The personnel who opened fire must be held accountable,” voiced the demonstrators.

The families of the deceased individuals have also called for compensation and the arrest of the officials who were involved in the incident. The protest subsided after the local MLA assured families that compensation would be arranged, as confirmed by a senior police officer, who remarked that the situation was brought under control.

Following a complaint from the wife of one of the deceased, Hanur Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the involved forest officials under Section 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which pertains to punishment for murder. Initially, the protesters resisted signing documents related to post-mortem examinations, but later gave their consent. The bodies were subsequently transported to KR Hospital’s mortuary in Mysuru for examination.

Ongoing Inquiries And Political Reactions

Simultaneous protests were reported in Mysuru, where police took measures to disperse the crowd and ease tensions. According to Dinesh Kumar Meena, Assistant Commissioner of Kollegala Sub-Division, the Deputy Commissioner has initiated an inquiry led by an executive magistrate. Meena confirmed that officials had inspected the site and were awaiting post-mortem reports before proceeding further with the case.

Karnataka Chief Minister Shivakumar reiterated the decision for a magisterial inquiry and assured the families affected of financial compensation. He disclosed that he had received preliminary information about the incident. The inquiry will investigate the conditions that led to the firing, including details on who discharged their weapon first and if the actions were defensively justified.

Political figures have responded to the events with calls for a judicial inquiry. R Ashoka, Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, questioned the integrity of an inquiry conducted by officials with potential conflicts of interest and insisted on the necessity for an independent investigation. He also emphasised the importance of public accountability concerning the officials involved.

Tamil Nadu Politicians Call For Further Investigation

The incident has reverberated beyond Karnataka, prompting responses from political factions in Tamil Nadu. Both the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and Pattali Makkal Katchi demanded clarity on the claims of poaching. DMK president MK Stalin expressed his dissatisfaction with the actions of Karnataka’s Forest Department, criticising the severe consequences faced by the individuals.

The ongoing magisterial inquiry aims to meticulously investigate all aspects of the incident. Authorities remain vigilant, anticipating post-mortem and supplementary reports that will be integral to the ongoing examination.

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