CHENNAI, Aug 17: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Sunday condemned the killing of three men from Tamil Nadu who were shot dead by personnel of the Karnataka Forest Department in the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary area on August 15, calling the incident a "massacre" and demanding an independent investigation.
Chief Minister demands high‑level inquiry
In a statement circulated through his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), Mr Vijay said the circumstances that led to the deaths must be examined thoroughly and without bias. He also rejected the version of events put forward by the Karnataka authorities and urged that the victims’ families be supported by the neighbouring State government.
"It is heartbreaking that Anthony Sami, John Rose Peter, and Kumar, who were Tamils residing in villages in the Hanur taluk of Chamarajanagar district in Karnataka, were shot dead by Karnataka Forest Department officials in the early hours of August 15, 2026, in the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary area. I strongly condemn this massacre," TVK quoted Mr Vijay as saying.
Mr Vijay asked for a high‑level committee to investigate the incident and sought accountability for those responsible. The TVK statement identified the deceased as Anthony Sami, John Rose Peter and Kumar, and said they lived in villages in Hanur taluk of Chamarajanagar district in Karnataka.
Details confirmed by party statement
The information released by TVK is the principal public source about the identities of the three men. The Chief Minister’s intervention elevates the matter to an inter‑state concern, with demands for an impartial probe likely to involve central or independent agencies if Karnataka does not accede to Tamil Nadu’s requests.
Officials in Tamil Nadu said they expect cooperation from Karnataka to ensure relief and compensation for the families, though specific steps and timelines were not provided in the TVK communication.
- Victims: Anthony Sami; John Rose Peter; Kumar.
- Residence: Villages in Hanur taluk, Chamarajanagar district (Karnataka).
- Location of shooting: Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary area; date reported as August 15, 2026.
Local and inter‑state implications
The deaths are likely to heighten sensitivity along the Tamil Nadu–Karnataka border, where incidents involving forest and enforcement agencies have in the past prompted political exchanges. The Chief Minister’s use of the word "massacre" signals strong condemnation from the State government and raises expectations among families and communities for an independent and transparent inquiry.
There has been no official detailed account from the Karnataka Forest Department published alongside the TVK statement. Tamil Nadu officials said they would monitor developments closely and press for swift action to determine the facts.
What officials are seeking
Through the TVK release, Mr Vijay has demanded:
- Formation of a high‑level committee to examine the sequence of events.
- An independent probe to verify the account provided by Karnataka authorities.
- Support and relief measures for the victims’ families from the Karnataka government.
It remains unclear whether Karnataka has responded publicly to the Chief Minister’s statement or if any immediate steps have been taken by either State to set up a joint fact‑finding mechanism.
Background — location and enforcement context
The shooting reportedly occurred in the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary area, a protected zone that spans parts of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka along the Cauvery riverine landscape. Forest enforcement operations in protected areas sometimes involve anti‑poaching action and surveillance; however, the precise circumstances and whether the three men were involved in unlawful activity are matters now under dispute.
With the Chief Minister calling for an impartial inquiry, attention will focus on the nature of the engagement by forest personnel, the rules of engagement followed, medical and post‑mortem reports, and any video or radio records that might exist from the site or enforcement teams.
Tamil Nadu authorities and community leaders have urged calm as they await further information and the outcome of demands for an independent probe. The development is likely to feature in inter‑state discussions and may prompt requests for central oversight if there is no satisfactory response from Karnataka.
Further updates are expected as enquiries proceed and if Karnataka State agencies or the Centre issue statements on the incident.
