Karnataka BJP Demands Judicial Probe Into Chamarajanagar Forest Firing
· India · Indian Express, The Hindu, Hindustan Times
Three men were killed and one was injured during a forest department firing incident inside the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka's Chamarajanagar district on August 15. Leader of Opposition R Ashoka raised the issue in the Karnataka Assembly, alleging that forest officials fired at close range and demanding a judicial inquiry along with Rs 1 crore compensation for each victim's family. Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Ramalinga Reddy defended the action, stating that teams had spotted torchlight around 5 am and opened fire in self-defense after the alleged poachers attempted to attack staff attempting to secure their surrender. Reddy explained that three rounds from a slide-action gun caused multiple pellet injuries across the victims' bodies. The incident triggered protests in both Houses of the Assembly on Monday.
Why it matters
The incident brings renewed scrutiny to anti-poaching operations and use of force by forest authorities in protected reserves, prompting demands for legislative accountability from political leaders in Karnataka.
Read the original report — Indian Express
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