Political temperatures have risen in Karnataka following the shooting deaths of three Tamil people. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay expressed his condolences regarding the incident, termed it unacceptable, and called for an impartial investigation into it.

It should be mentioned here that the shooting deaths of three Tamil people were carried out by Forest Department officers in Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka. Although the Forest Department has explained the incident, an investigation has been asked for by the Chief Minister.

In a statement released on TVK's official handle on X, Vijay said that Anthony Sami, John Rose Peter, and Kumar, Tamil-origin residents of villages in Hennur taluk, Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka, were shot dead by Karnataka Forest Department officials in the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary area on the morning of August 15, 2026. "I strongly condemn this massacre."

He stated that the explanation given by the Karnataka Forest Department cannot be accepted. He demanded an impartial investigation, the formation of a high-level inquiry committee, and the punishment of the culprits. He also appealed to the Karnataka government to provide all possible assistance to the families of the victims.

An encounter reportedly occurred between Forest Department personnel and four individuals in the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary (Hennur taluk) on the morning of August 15.

According to the Forest Department, during an operation against suspected poachers, the officers opened fire, prompting the officers to return fire. Three individuals were killed, while a fourth was injured or escaped. The department claims to have recovered unlicensed weapons and deer meat.

The deceased have been identified as Anthony Sami (or Antony Swamy, around 50 years old), John Rose Peter (around 42-43 years old), and Kumar (Sebastian David Kumar/Savariyappan, around 33-35 years old). They are said to be Tamil farmers living in villages in Hennur taluk.

The families allege that they had gone to the forest in search of missing cattle and that this was a fake encounter. Based on a complaint filed by the deceased's wife, Hennur police have registered a murder case against forest officials under sections of the Indian Penal Code.

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has ordered a magisterial inquiry. Protests have also erupted in the area.

Political temperatures have risen in Karnataka following the shooting deaths of three Tamil people. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay expressed his condolences regarding the incident, termed it unacceptable, and called for an impartial investigation into it.

It should be mentioned here that the shooting deaths of three Tamil people were carried out by Forest Department officers in Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka. Although the Forest Department has explained the incident, an investigation has been asked for by the Chief Minister.

In a statement released on TVK's official handle on X, Vijay said that Anthony Sami, John Rose Peter, and Kumar, Tamil-origin residents of villages in Hennur taluk, Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka, were shot dead by Karnataka Forest Department officials in the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary area on the morning of August 15, 2026. "I strongly condemn this massacre."

He stated that the explanation given by the Karnataka Forest Department cannot be accepted. He demanded an impartial investigation, the formation of a high-level inquiry committee, and the punishment of the culprits. He also appealed to the Karnataka government to provide all possible assistance to the families of the victims.

An encounter reportedly occurred between Forest Department personnel and four individuals in the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary (Hennur taluk) on the morning of August 15.

According to the Forest Department, during an operation against suspected poachers, the officers opened fire, prompting the officers to return fire. Three individuals were killed, while a fourth was injured or escaped. The department claims to have recovered unlicensed weapons and deer meat.

The deceased have been identified as Anthony Sami (or Antony Swamy, around 50 years old), John Rose Peter (around 42-43 years old), and Kumar (Sebastian David Kumar/Savariyappan, around 33-35 years old). They are said to be Tamil farmers living in villages in Hennur taluk.

The families allege that they had gone to the forest in search of missing cattle and that this was a fake encounter. Based on a complaint filed by the deceased's wife, Hennur police have registered a murder case against forest officials under sections of the Indian Penal Code.

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has ordered a magisterial inquiry. Protests have also erupted in the area.